For Team Lore week, let's take a look at the State of Hockey nickname, and how the Wild have continued to embrace the name, many seasons later. It was designed to welcome NHL hockey back to the state of Minnesota for the first time since the Minnesota North Stars franchise moved to Dallas in 1993. Now, the state produces the most hockey players for USA Hockey and the most NHL players, some of whom have played for the Wild. from Mats Zuccarello to the State of Hockey: pic.twitter.com/V3CDfFhshs — Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 1, 2026The team still keeps up some traditions related to the State of Hockey, including the State of Hockey flag and State of Hockey anthem. As long as hockey continues to be a priority in Minnesota, one can expect the State of Hockey name to live on.