Many children grow up with dreams of playing professional hockey. For most, the dream evolves into an admiration for those who are blessed with the talent to play on the world's biggest stages. 

For Iowa Wild forward Dominic Turgeon, the dream began on Feb. 25, 1996; the day he was born in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.

At the time of his birth, Turgeon's father, Pierre, was in the midst of his second season with the Montreal Canadiens. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the first overall pick in the 1987 NHL Draft, Pierre played in 1,294 NHL games for the Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.

The rigors of a professional hockey schedule can have a profound impact on an athlete's physical and mental well-being. For this reason, many hockey players depend on a strong familial support system. For Iowa Wild defenseman Dakota Mermis, this rings especially true.

On Dec. 10, Mermis' wife Sarah gave birth to the couples' first child, Brooks Alexander Mermis. Of the many challenges they have faced since he was born, choosing a name for Brooks was the first.

"There is really no specific meaning to the name, but it is a name that Sarah and I have always liked," Dakota said. "We did not decide fully on his name until we met him, and as soon as we saw him, we knew that it would fit him perfectly."

Former Minnesota Wild forward Eric Staal had one goal in mind when he signed a Professional Tryout contract with the Iowa Wild earlier this month.

OK, maybe two goals. 

First and foremost, the veteran centerman with nearly 1,300 games of NHL experience wanted one more crack at making the Canadian Olympic roster ahead of the Games in Beijing. 

The Iowa Wild went 1-2-0 last week. The Wild earned a 3-2 shootout win at Manitoba last Tuesday (1/4). Forward Nate Sucese tallied two assists, Forward Adam Beckman scored in regulation and netted the shootout winner and Goaltender Trevin Kozlowski made 35 saves.

The Iowa Wild went 2-1-1 last week. The Wild earned a 3-2 overtime victory vs. Colorado at Wells Fargo Arena last Wednesday (12/29). Forward Marco Rossi led the team with three points (2-1=3), including the OT winner. Forward Matt Boldy tallied two assists. Goaltender Andrew Hammond made 31 saves. 

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has acquired forward Nolan Stevens from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Will Bitten.

The Iowa Wild did not play last week. 

Forward Marco Rossi leads the team in scoring with 18 points (4-14=18). He ranks tied for fifth among AHL rookies in assists, tied for sixth in shots on goal and tied for 10th in scoring. Forwards Mason Shaw (7-10=17), Nick Swaney (8-9=17) and Kyle Rau (6-11=17) and defenseman Joe Hicketts (6-11=17) rank tied for second on Iowa in scoring with 17 points each. 

The Iowa Wild defeated the Manitoba Moose 4-1 at home on Friday in its only game last week. 

Defenseman Calen Addison (two goals), and forwards Mason Shaw (1-1=2) and Adam Beckman (two assists) led Iowa with two points each, Forward Nate Sucese also scored and goaltender Hunter Jones stopped 36-of-37 shots faced. 

The Iowa Wild went 0-2-2 in four games last week. 

Iowa lost 4-3 in a shootout at Rockford on Wednesday (12/8). Defenseman Tucker Ottenbreit and forwards Nathan Sucese and Nick Swaney scored and goaltender Dereck Baribeau made 30 saves. 

The Iowa Wild lost all three contests against the Chicago Wolves last week. Iowa lost 2-0 on Thursday at Allstate Arena (12/2). Goaltender Derek Baribeau made 35 saves.