"He was by far the best player in the state of Minnesota, if not, the Upper Midwest," Hendricks said. "All-American high school player. He was something for the state of Minnesota, that's for sure.
"I kind of sound like I have a man-crush on him, but I don't. And I want everyone to know that."
Perhaps the reason no man-crush exists? Mauer's Raiders beat Hendricks' Bengals in the state tournament that year, a loss that still sits with Hendricks to this day.
Later that school year, Hendricks' Blaine boys hockey team won the Class AA state championship. Had his football team been able to get by Mauer's Cretin squad, it might have made for one heck of a senior year, especially when it comes to the trophy case.
The Wild will wear special warmup jerseys tonight, emblazoned with Mauer's name and No. 7 on the back with the Twins script logo on the front.
Tweet from @ZachParise: Glad my first tweet could be about celebrating the career of our friend Joe Mauer. We will be wearing these sweaters during warmups tonight to honor what he did for this state. #mnwild pic.twitter.com/BrpJ27MEun
The jerseys will be autographed and auctioned to benefit Crescent Cove and the Minnesota Wild Foundation. The auction will close March 1. Joe and his wife, Maddie, are Crescent Cove Ambassadors, helping spread awareness about the organization in the community. Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life expectancy, and their families who love them.
Hendricks says there will be no animosity, considering their past, and that he'll wear the Mauer jersey proudly.
"What a career he's had," Hendricks said. "I'm happy for him. I hope he finds joy in his retirement."
Like Mauer, Wild goaltender Alex Stalock was also a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing football in addition to hockey at South St. Paul.
