Wild, North Stars alumni to tangle with Blackhawks

The Minnesota Wild will receive an assist in the alumni game on Feb. 20 before going it alone the following day when they face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at TCF Bank Stadium.

Former members of the Wild will join forces with a couple of North Stars in the alumni game. The clubs coming together can be interpreted as a symbolic celebration of Minnesota's claim to being "The State of Hockey".

The Wild/North Stars' contingent will be highlighted by Neal Broten, Dino Ciccarelli, Mike Modano, Bobby Smith and Gilles Meloche, with Brad Bombardir, Andrew Brunette, Darby Hendrickson, Antti Laaksonen and Wes Walz expected to play as well. Lou Nanne and Tom Reid will coach the Minnesota group.

Chicago also will be well represented as Ed Belfour, Denis Savard, Jeremy Roenick, Eddie Olczyk have been confirmed to play in the exhibition. Tony Esposito and broadcaster Pat Foley will coach the Blackhawks.

"With so much great hockey having been played on the University of Minnesota campus, TCF Bank Stadium will serve as an ideal setting for this outdoor renewal of the Wild-Blackhawks rivalry," commissioner Gary Bettman said on Wednesday.

The Central Division rivals have met in each of the past three postseasons, with Chicago emerging victorious in each series.

(h/t Minnesota Wild)