Although the hockey home will likely remain referred to as ‘The X,’ it’s now Grand Casino Arena. The lids atop the domes of players heads also have a new sponsor. Quite a lot is taking place on the corporate front in the lead up to the franchise’s 25th season in existence.

Blaze heating up the ice for MN Wild

There’s a bit of comedy in a company called Blaze pairing up with an ice hockey team. That’s what is taking place though, as Blaze Credit Union is the new helmet sponsor for the Minnesota Wild.

Welcome Blaze Credit Union

👀 Read more » https://t.co/IENAeVf387 pic.twitter.com/NjWAtmt3Qn

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 9, 2025

The Minnesota Wild and Blaze Credit Union today announced a multi-year partnership as the team’s new home helmet partner. The Blaze Credit Union logo will appear exclusively on the Wild’s home helmets starting this season. Blaze Credit Union is the Official Credit Union of the Minnesota Wild.

“We have enjoyed building our relationship with Blaze Credit Union through our existing partnership, and we are extremely thankful for their additional commitment to be our new home helmet partner,” said Bryan Bellows, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships.

“Blaze Credit Union is excited to expand our long-term partnership with the Minnesota Wild,” said Dan Stoltz, Blaze Credit Union CEO. “There is incredible alignment with hockey fans throughout Minnesota. Together Blaze and the Minnesota Wild proudly serve this great state of hockey.”

Wild.com

Blaze Credit Union is the third-largest credit union in the state of Minnesota, and is headquartered just outside of St. Paul in Falcon Heights. Blaze was formed in 2024 through a merger between Spire and Hiway credit unions.

Minnesota still needs to get a deal done with superstar Kirill Kaprizov. They are awaiting his return stateside, and then hope to hammer out the particulars. Bill Guerin already inked Marco Rossi to a new deal, and he has done virtually all of the heavy lifting for the offseason.

Related: Multiple MN Wild Players Claim Spot on NHL Top Youngsters List

Some moves have trickled in on the fringes, but John Hynes needs some of his youth to step up into more prominent production roles.

The regular season gets underway on October 9 against the Blues in St. Louis.

As franchises across the league have adopted jersey sleeve sponsors, it has been a bit odd to see Minnesota wait so patiently to choose theirs; especially given how bad the Twins are supposedly in the red ($400 million), fiscally, after ditching FanDuel Sports North as the Twins’ TV provider.

Securian Financial selected as MN Twins jersey patch sponsor

There are a boatload of sizable corporations with ties to Minnesota, and plenty of them reside in downtown Minneapolis. Without a doubt, the Twins have been shopping their sleeves for some time now.

But on Thursday morning, the team’s first-ever jersey patch sponsor was finally announced as local financial services company, Securian Financial.

Two brands unite for all of Twins Territory#MNTwins x @Securian pic.twitter.com/JijnB1e0yW

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 17, 2025

“Throughout Twins history we’ve worn many different patches. The represent milestones, celebrations, big moments, and partnership. For Minneapolis and St. Paul, two brands unite for all of Twins Territory. Today, the Minnesota Twins and Securian Financial are proud to announce a new patch partnership. A part of Minnesota Twins history.”

Narrated by Trevor Plouffe

The choosing of Securian Financial is interesting. It is not known when the deal came together, but it’s unlikely that it happened quickly. It’s interesting because, not that long ago, the local based financial services group was reportedly in discussions to put their name on the Minnesota Wild hockey arena.

Ultimately, the Xcel Energy Center became Grand Casino Arena, which may have pushed Securian Financial to find another way to pump their brand into the brains of Minnesota sports fans. Then again, it’s feasible they were working both deals at the same time, hoping to secure both.

Twins took their time choosing a sleeve patch partner

At any rate, for the first time in franchise history, the Minnesota Twins will have a uniform sponsor. It is something we have seen take off around the league, but the Twins were picky and surprisingly patient, given the Pohlads’ current financial situation. Going forward, we’ll undoubtedly see more of this around professional sports.

#MNTwins announce their first jersey patch sponsor:

"Securian Financial logo will appear on the sleeve of all Twins home, road, alternate, and City Connect jerseys."

Also "a prominent Securian Financial presence at Target Field and across Twins television and radio broadcasts." pic.twitter.com/tYZ2W8wJj6

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 17, 2025

Target is a prominent sponsor of the Minnesota Twins, but maybe they weren’t interested. It’s also possible their logo ruled them out? After all, putting a bullseye on the batter-facing sleeve of all your pitchers may not be the best idea.

The Minnesota Twins remain for sale, but commissioner Rob Manfred is confident a deal will get done sooner than later, and for the full $1.7 billion asking price. Until then, this new line of revenue should put a little cash back in the Pohlads’ pocket.

Related: What We Learned About MN Twins Top Pick Marek Houston – MSF Exclusive

No mention of a debut date was made during the introduction video, but it stands to reason we’ll see the new patch when they take the field Friday night in Colorado, against the lowly Rockies.

They need it now more than ever, after they took a hit financially by bailing on FanDuel Sports Network, and launching their own Twins.TV service to stream and televise games.

On paper, it’s the perfect launching point for the MN Twins second half. And a hot start is critical, with the front office teetering between buying and selling, and the trade deadline looming on July 31.

Wild refuse to wear special pride night warm-up jerseys

But part of the festivities were supposed to include Wild players wearing rainbow colored jerseys during warmups. The same jersey worn by Jablonski in the video below.

But that didn’t happen. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the team decided against wearing the pregame attire. Some of the players had rainbow colored tape on their sticks. The Wild posted about, and then deleted, the jerseys on their auction website.

Minnesota Wild players did not wear Pride jerseys during warmup as scheduled for the team’s annual Pride Night game Tuesday night. According to the team, players were scheduled to wear rainbow-colored jerseys for the team’s game against the Calgary Flames, in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The jerseys even appeared in a since-deleted post on the Wild’s auction website.

“Part of the themed game programming includes custom-designed Wild Pride jerseys worn by the team during pre-game warmups,” the post on the auction site said before it was removed. “The custom warmup jerseys will be signed and auctioned off starting March 7.”

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Jack Jablonski, wearing the 2023 #mnwild Pride jersey with “Jabs” patch, doing Let’s Play Hockey. Here’s my story on Jabs coming out in September >>https://t.co/JKeIACpzvo pic.twitter.com/ANrVsMbsVw

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 8, 2023

The Minnesota Wild aren’t the only NHL team to push back against woke narratives this season. Ivan Provorov refused to wear a pride night warm-up jersey for the Philadelphia Flyers in January. The New York Islanders decided, as a team, not to feature rainbow-colored tape or special jerseys during their “pride night” celebrations in February.

It doesn’t surprise me that the NHL is the first professional sports league to start challenging the mainstream narratives that have been more aggressively pushed over the last few years.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

On Saturday, though, they’re commemorating the past on “Alumni Day” by throwing their jerseys back to the 1970’s. Remember the tops once worn by Kevin McHale, Dave Winfield and Mychal Thompson? That’s what the 2022-23 team will try and replicate this weekend. These are just fantastic.

thanks, they're ???????????????????????????? 〽️ pic.twitter.com/YQvFgyRKmO

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) January 7, 2023

Kevin McHale had 235 blocks in his 3 seasons as a #Gopher before spending 13 years in the NBA playing for Boston #TBT pic.twitter.com/d9Ignn6AHF

— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) June 11, 2015

Rebuild continues for Ben Johnson

It’s going to be a rough season for this basketball team, especially after losing Parker Fox and Isaiah Ihnen (again) to season-ending knee injuries. But on Saturday, vs the (8-7) Nebraska Cornhuskers, they have one of their best shots this season at notching a Big Ten win.

In fairness, they’re coming off their best performance so far this season, a hard-fought 3-point loss in Madison to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Watch out for Freshmen

Ben Johnson’s best players are veterans, Jamison Battle and Dawson Garcia. And it’s transfer, (Jr) Ta’lon Cooper who drives play. Yet every game it seems, one of the four true freshmen: Josh Ola-Joseph, Braeden Carrington, Pharrel Payne or Jaden Henley, popping off the TV screen.

All freshmen listed above are averaging over 18 minutes per game. Carrington is logging the most, at 24. So while we honor the past today, don’t forget to look forward, too.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Are you still calling for the North Stars to come back to Minnesota, almost 27 years to the day, since they announced their departure to Texas on March 9, 1993?

Well, it sounds like nostalgic Minnesota hockey fans are likely to get that wish granted next season. That’s if you find Michael Russo of The Athletic credible (that’s a joke)… In a recent mailbag article out of The Athletic this morning, Russo said it would be a “good guess”, that the Wild will add North Star COLORED throwback uniforms for their 2020-21 campaign…

New throwback jerseys expected next year or the year after?

— Travis R.

Next season. As I think I’ve mentioned on a previous mailbag, I think it’s a good guess that the Wild’s will be North Stars colors. Not the logo, the colors. And, of course, there will be a Winter Classic special jersey.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

I’m all for the throwbacks because those North Star colors are some of the best… Too bad our neighbors to the East don’t know how to do green and gold like we did.

It’s also too bad we can’t have the classic North Star logo to go with the colors… but it’s business I guess. It’s hard to force an owner to sell something that he isn’t willing to give up… just ask New York Knicks fans.

Before I read through Russo’s 97-page mailbag (that’s a compliment), I was made aware of this on Twitter (shoutout to @B_Marsh92)… where I also saw a call for some mock-ups from a local graphic designer, who is one of the best I’ve ever seen, Kyle Hance (@Enerrgizer on Twitter and Instagram).

If Kyle delivers his version of these new rumored throwbacks…. they will blow your mind and I’ll be sure to post another blog about them.

#mnwild alternate jerseys rumored to be North Stars COLORS ? We’re gonna need a mock @Enerrgizer

— Brett Marshall ? (@B_Marsh92) March 5, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Twins are apparently sick and tired of being called cheap (which has happened a lot over the past few weeks…). Today they made headlines twice. Yup, the Twins at the top of news feeds TWICE in one day. Believe it.

First, very early, reports dropped that our very own Minnesota Twins are the “secret team” involved in contract discussions with the two biggest free agents on the market this offseason.

Is there ANY chance the Twins sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado??? Here is the answer from an ESPN piece reacting to an ESPN+ story on this subject. The original story was written by MLB Insider, Buster Olney.

Olney is hearing the Astros, Giants and Braves being mentioned as potential suitors for Harper; the Yankees and Padres as possible contenders for Machado; and the Rangers, Twins and Cubs as three teams that could sign either player.

Immediately, the story continues to say that Olney doesn’t believe any of these teams will really get deeply into discussions unless the players’ demanded terms start to waver.

Before you jump for joy, just remember that this new front office has been “involved” with big time free agents before. Look no further than last offseason when Shohei Ohtani was coming to the USA to change the game of baseball… The Twins were one of the finalists supposedly in on the Japenese pitcher/slugger.

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Minnesota Twins Rumors: Are they now in the hunt for Ohtani? https://t.co/G3kOBZYyMq pic.twitter.com/F4C42GBH9R

— Chris Headrick (@ChrisMHeadrick) November 17, 2017

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I’m not getting excited and neither should you. This is a VERY convenient time to be reportedly in on the Harper and Machado sweepstakes. I’ll believe it when I see Falvine flying to pick him up in the Pohlad’s private jet.

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Breaking the Bank on New Uniforms

Going out and grabbing Harper and/or Machado isn’t the only thing Jim Pohlad is ready to splurge on. He’s busting out the wallet to get brand new uniforms made for 2019 and beyond. That’s a lot of cash. You have to move a lot around to produce new uniforms. Hopefully we don’t have to sell Target Field…

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Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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At the crack of dawn on Tuesday morning, the Gopher Football team held a team meeting that featured Maroon and Gold alums Dom Barber, Marqueis Gray, and Maxx Williams. The former and current NFL players were on hand to take part in the revealing of the program’s new Nike H.Y.P.R.R. ELITE uniforms.

For members of Row the Boat Nation, the below video will likely get your juices flowing. If you have any sort of heart ailment or are currently pregnant, please proceed with caution. Now that we’ve addressed that realm, turn the volume up on your factory ass speakers:

LOVE the new “H.Y.P.R.R. ELITE” jerseys we will be wearing this season!! Embracing the past to create our future!! Row the Boat meets Ski-U-Mah!! #RTB #HYPRR #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/nCtAFbQPS7

— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) February 20, 2018

On top of being a sucker for a good hype video, I am art illiterate. The second the coach Fleck audio started playing, the Gophers had me sold on the new uniforms. Basically, when it comes to my opinion on this topic, this was over before it started. The Minnesota bias and low subject IQ are a wild combination when it comes to this take. So, to assist in your judgment of our upcoming season’s attire, here are multiple pictures and additional information:

If you include shoes, socks, and facemasks, the Nike line offers Minnesota more than 100 potential uniform combinations. We’ll just focus on the helmets (three options), jerseys (three options), and pants (three options).

Helmets: Colors – Maroon, White, and Gold

Outside of the color scheme, the maroon and white helmets are mirror images. Across the center, both contain the famous “oar” that is associated with the #RTB mantra.  Additionally, each displays a compass that features the respective players number and SKI-U-MAH on the back.

Like the maroon and white helmets, the gold style features “M” block letters on each side, a compass on the back, and the SKI-U-MAH cheer at the base. Unlike the other two colors, it doesn’t have the oar as the center stripe.

Jerseys: Colors – Maroon, White and Anthracite (shade of gray)

The actual jerseys themselves all share a design. Both the front of the maroon and anthracite versions feature white numbers, white collars, and different shades of gold (corresponds to “Minnesota” on back of jerseys in above picture) for the “M” and “Swoosh” logos.

Pants: Colors – Maroon, White, Gold and Anthracite (shade of gray)

There isn’t anything to wild and crazy about the pant choices. As it is with the jerseys, they all share a design (“M” logo on front right, “Swoosh” logo on front left). When comparing the gold helmet and the pants, we come across the just mentioned differences shades of the color.

If that gave you the itch to check out the uniforms in person, you can do so during Tuesday’s women’s basketball game and/or Wednesday’s men’s basketball game.

For those of you who aren’t experiencing the proverbial rash, the new uniforms that P.J. Fleck said “embrace the past to create the future” will be on display during Minnesota’s 2018 opener and throughout the entire season.

#RTB #SkiUMah

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com