1:45 p.m. update: Owen Nolan, Derek Boogaard and Stephane Veilleux did not skate today. The Wild sent out a brief injury report shortly after practice saying Boogaard and Veilleux were officially day-to-day each with muscle spasms. No other information was provided. Nothing on Nolan, meaning he was probably just given the day off. Also, Craig Weller is not ready yet to practice fully, but I’m told he did skate on his own prior to practice today.

Brunette kept it a secret how he was presented the ‘C’ for the fifth time as a member of the Wild. He offered the old ‘What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room’ bit when asked about any ceremony. But nonetheless, he is obviously honored to wear the ‘C’ again for the first time since 2004.

Let’s see, what else… I introduced myself to the two newcomers today, Olvecky and Fritsche. Olvecky was quite polite, standing up to shake my hand. He did his best to communicate. His English is coming along nicely. Fritsche was cool, too, making sure he got my name right. His main concern for the time being, though, is working with Director of Hockey Opps Chris Snow on finding a place to live.

News out of the NHL today has Ottawa firing coach Craig Hartsburg. And Cloquet native Jamie Langenbrunner today was named the NHL’s First Star for both last week and last month.

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Hello from Xcel Energy Center, where I’m told there is still a faint smell of rodeo in the air from this weekend’s shows. I wouldn’t know - I’m still a bit stuffed up from a nasty cold that hit me late last week.
I’ll be back on later. Just wanted to post mid-practice to let you all know that Andrew ‘Iron Man’ Brunette will wear the ‘C’ this month.
Its been a spirited skate so far. Jacques’ colorful screaming has already sent at least one assistant coach into a laughing fit.
And players are hitting pipes more than Micha…. Too soon?

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