Hockey Day Minnesota, Haula vs. Wild, Stadium Series updates

1. Unless one side caves or compromises or whatever you want to call it from a few hours ago, the Wild and Erik Haula will go to an 8 a.m. CT Friday arbitration hearing. Again, this was as of a couple hours ago. The gap is $425,000 between what each side is seeking from the arbitrator, so one sitdown could potentially change things. Both sides are currently in Toronto.

But I'd be surprised if this isn't going to arb.

If the two sides don't settle before an arbitrator makes his decision (if it gets to arbitration) 48 hours after the hearing, Haula will be awarded a one-year deal between $775,000 and $1.2 million.

2. On Wednesday at 1 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium, the NHL will hold a news conference regarding the Feb. 21 Stadium Series game between the Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. Details about the alumni game, the game's logo and perhaps some ticket intel will be announced. Jerseys will be unveiled at a later time.

At the presser will be NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Wild owner Craig Leipold, Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka, Wild players Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, a freshly-signed Haula, Mike Reilly and Jordan Schroeder, University of Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague, Blackhawks prez John McDonough and colleague Jay Blunk and Lou Nanne and Troy Murray representing the North Stars/Wild and Blackhawks alumni, respectively.

This is old hat for the Hawks, so Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Co. have something better to do and won't be in town for the presser.

Lunch will be served, so plenty of media will be in attendance.

(Cutting and pasting parts of the press release now)

Proceeds of the event will benefit Duluth area youth hockey programs. Year 2016 will mark a decade of Hockey Day Minnesota celebrations.
"We are thrilled to bring Wells Fargo Hockey Day Minnesota 2016 to Duluth's Bayfront Park," said Minnesota Wild Vice President of Brand Content and Communications John Maher. "Duluth has a vibrant hockey community that extends from youth to the pros, which will be a delight to showcase. Additionally, we believe the unique setting and the community's enthusiasm will combine for a magical 10th edition of Hockey Day Minnesota."

Duluth's festivities will be part of a television event broadcast on FOX Sports North starting at 9 a.m. The first game will feature a battle between Section 7A rivals the Duluth Denfeld Hunters and the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears. This will be the first Hockey Day appearance for the Hunters and the second for the Golden Bears, who fell to Lake of the Woods 5-0 on Baudette Bay in 2008.
The second game will feature a state championship rematch between Duluth East and Lakeville North. The Panthers capped their undefeated season by beating the underdog Greyhounds 4-1 to earn the 2015 Minnesota State High School League Boys' Hockey AA Championship title on March 7 at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. This will be the third Hockey Day appearance for Duluth East (2009, 2012) and the first for Lakeville North.
Hockey Day Minnesota 2016 will be capped off as the Minnesota Wild face off against the St. Louis Blues at 7 p.m. CT in St. Louis. Wells Fargo Hockey Day Minnesota 2016 on FOX Sports North will include a full day of hockey-related programming designed as a celebration of the game from peewees to pros. Ticket information, game schedule including collegiate matchups, and additional programming details for Hockey Day Minnesota 2016 will be announced at a later date.
The outdoor games will be played on a specially-constructed rink set against the backdrop of Lake Superior in Duluth's Bayfront Park. In the event the outdoor ice is deemed unplayable due to weather, outdoor games would be moved to the Duluth Heritage Sports Center.
"It's hard to believe it has been 10 years since the first Hockey Day in Baudette," said Mike Dimond, senior vice president and general manager of FOX Sports North. "Over the past decade, Hockey Day Minnesota has turned into a state holiday in celebration of this great game, the lifestyle, and values it fosters. All of us at FOX Sports North are especially proud to be a part of something so special and look forward to carrying on the tradition this year in Duluth."