from Michael Russo of the Star Tribune,

With his team suddenly on a hot streak and his longtime dream of bringing an outdoor NHL game to the State of Hockey about to become reality, Craig Leipold was one giddy owner Saturday.

As the Wild’s head honcho sat in his suite watching the alumni game, Leipold looked left, looked right and suddenly blurted out: “I’m like a little kid. We came out for the 1 o’clock practice, and I’ve got to tell you, I could not have been happier to see all the activity going on. … It was just so cool. They’re having fun, I’m having fun. Just a great time.”

Saturday was the first time Leipold spoke publicly since the firing of coach Mike Yeo a week earlier. The Wild returned home on Thursday night following a 3-0 road trip under interim coach John Torchetti.

“Even to this day, we’re going to make the playoffs. I’ve felt it all along,” Leipold said. “The decision that was made had to be made. Winning those three games has given us new life. It has reenergized our team, our organization, our fans. This is just a good time now culminating into this event as Torch’s first game.

“I mean, wow.”

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