For at least one afternoon, the “State of Hockey” enveloped itself in a state of nostalgia. And it was good.
A team of Minnesota Wild/North Stars (including Mike Modano) beat a group of retired Chicago Blackhawks (featuring Chris Chelios) by a score of 6-4 during the 2016 NHL Stadium Series Alumni Game on Saturday.
Of course, the score wasn’t what most people will take away from that exhibition, which reportedly drew a crowd of 37,992 people to TCF Bank Stadium.
(Here are the full rosters, in case you want to peruse them.)
Instead, it was all about creating great memories and also recalling the legacy of the North Stars, even for those who were far removed from the time before that franchise became what is now the Dallas Stars.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a full highlights video available, but CBS’ Eye on Hockey and My Regular Face’s collection of GIFs are great places to re-live some of the best moments.
Let’s be honest: some of these great images stand as highlights in their own right.
Today's announced attendance for the #StadiumSeries alumni game: 37,992.
— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2016
State. Of. Hockey. pic.twitter.com/YIpzL6dypW
But first... #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/wFBwDmGcS2
— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2016
Mr. @lou_nanne, the Alumni Game winning coach! #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/OtZnpBbjqS
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 21, 2016
What are YOU looking at? pic.twitter.com/X9Eioq2nbv
— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2016
The Minnesota North Stars / @mnwild have defeated the @NHLBlackhawks 6-4 at the 2016 NHL #StadiumSeries Alumni Game. pic.twitter.com/htIlcMLErc
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 21, 2016
Widows of Oliver, Goldsworthy and Parise drop the ceremonial puck and take a pic with @NordyWild. #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/aAs9k9uf8u
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 20, 2016
Great stuff, and let’s not forget that hockey fans will be treated to more great images this afternoon:
🎥 @matt_dumba talks about blocking the glare at practice: https://t.co/IdaLKIRO1J #mnwild #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/cTKOZ6IXn0
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) February 21, 2016
For more, the NHL took a look at the game here.