ST. PAUL -- Since John Shuster and his gold-medal winning United States curling teammates stepped off their flight Feb. 27 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, it's been one big traveling party.
The celebration of Team USA's first gold in the sport made its way to Xcel Energy Center for the Wild's game Monday against Los Angeles, and Shuster, Tyler George, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner and Joe Polo -- all Minnesota natives -- received a warm, loud welcome. Shuster, the victorious Americans' skip and a self-described "huge Wild fan," couldn't move far in the concourse without absorbing a hug, high five or selfie request. And when the quintet took part in a ceremonial puck drop before face-off, a volumous roar followed by chants of "U-S-A" shook the arena.
Wild welcomes gold medal-winning USA curling team
Minnesota natives, hockey diehards receive warm greetings from fans, players