As The NHL Season Finally Prepares To Start, The Minnesota Wild and NHL are Asking For Forgivness

At long last, NHL fans, a hockey season is set to begin.  However, a lot of fans have moved on and refuse to just come running back to the sport that appeared to put greed ahead of the fans with the extended lockout.  The Minnesota Wild, along with other franchises, realize they have some making up to do with fans and they are offering incentives.

StarTribune.com is reporting that the Wild will work to soothe fans' wounded feelings by offering discounts, giveaways and a Wednesday scrimmage at Xcel, with free admission, $10 food vouchers and autographed jersey giveaways.

On Wednesday the team will also put single-game tickets on sale and will offer a 50 percent discount on merchandise at its team stores.  Tickets will be available Wednesday at 8am from the Xcel Engergy box office and at noon through Ticketmaster.

Other NHL teams are following suit. And it appears many of hockey's relentlessly loyal followers will be quick to forgive, rushing back into the arms of their beloved. Less than 24 hours after the Wild announced Wednesday's free scrimmage, the fervent demand for tickets forced the team to suspend distribution. In cities such as Philadelphia, St. Louis and Tampa, thousands of fans showed up to see training camps open Sunday.

The Wild will open the season this Saturday at 8pm against the Colorado Avalanche.

Let's play hockey!