Wild, fans enjoy Thanksgiving weekend outdoor practice in St. Louis Park

ST. LOUIS PARK -- For the second straight season, the Minnesota Wild took its annual Outdoor Practice presented by Twin Cities Audi Dealers to the ROC at St. Louis Park Rec Center on Saturday morning. More than 1,000 fans packed the stands, enjoyed a brisk November day with temperatures in the high 30s, and voiced their appreciation for a team that ranks fifth in the NHL in standings points.
A lighter than normal practice that included rush drills and a shootout competition had everyone laughing and smiling, including coach Bruce Boudreau and his staff. The team was still buzzing following its
four-goals-in-the-third-period, comeback win
over Winnipeg on Friday.

[Photos: 2018 Minnesota Wild Outdoor Practice presented by Twin Cities Audi Dealers]
"I think everyone was lighter; it's kind of a fun practice, especially after that win yesterday," said Nick Seeler. "I think it was a little bit more fun."
After a subzero windchill accompanied last season's outdoor practice in February, Saturday's relatively mild feel at the home of the St. Louis Park Hockey Association and St. Louis Park High School and Benilde St. Margaret's hockey programs helped, too.
"Last year, we were begging to get off [the ice] at the one-minute mark," Boudreau said. "This was fun today. I think it's always more fun, too, when you have a four-goal comeback. ... The guys were not really into practicing, they were into having fun. Which is good."

After practice, as has become tradition, players gave away pucks and sticks and hung out to sign autographs for fans. Per usual, forward Charlie Coyle was one of the last players to leave the ice after inking his signature and posing for photos with the Wild faithful in attendance.
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"You always remember you were a young kid once," Coyle said. "I used to come to these things when I was younger, and I had a cousin (former NHLer Tony Amonte) who played, so whenever he was in town I'd go to his practice. You always looked up to those players. You never forget how you felt when you were their age, so you try to remember that and just kinda give what you wish you were given when you were younger. A guy even looks at you, and it could change your whole day, week year. Sign an autograph, it's even better. Just little things that go a long way.
"You see the faces light up, and that's what it's all about."

Wild 360 presented by Hiway Federal Credit Union: [Watch the outdoor practice in 360-degree video]