Mike Yeo Classic bass tournament

^{_{Article by Mitch Petrie, SPECIAL TO STARTRIBUNE.COM :}}

Wild coach Mike Yeo, backed by players Erik Haula, Keith Ballard, Matt Cooke and Justin Fontaine, took to the waters of Lake Minnetonka in the first "Mike Yeo Classic" bass tournament. The event, put on by the Minnesota Wild Foundation and Sponsored by Gander Mountain, is a fundraiser for the Angel Foundation and the Miracles of Mitch Foundation. Both organizations assist individuals and families in need of financial support as they fight cancer.

^{Teammates and Alumni from the MN Wild regroup after a day on Lake Minnetonka}

Fans had the opportunity to bid online to be in one of seven boats. Others were drawn from a pool of season-ticket holders who submitted trophy shots of their fish while wearing Wild gear.

"The event came together quickly as part of our commitment to the community." Explained Coach Yeo. "We've supported The Angel Foundation and Miracles of Mitch Foundation in the past and this is a great opportunity help raise awareness and money for both these great charities." he continued. When asked about his support of cancer charities Coach Yeo explained, "Most of us have been effected by cancer in our lives and supporting families in this struggle is very important for me." .

Anglers were competing for the best combined bag of five fish. "Our boat had lots of action and we caught tons of fish but couldn't find the big ones." Said Yeo.

Wild Alumni Darby Hendrickson fished with Coach Yeo, season ticket holder Kurt Casby and his daughter Nicole. "It was a great experience to bring everyone together to talk hockey, fish, and raise money for some great charities." said Hendrickson. "We caught our limit of bass but won't be in the money." He continued.

^{MN Wild Coach Mike Yeo Weighs in 5 Bass with Emcee Jason Holmer} Both Yeo and Hendrickson expect the event to grow. "We started with six boats and a great sponsor in Gander Mountain and next year hope to grow the event to 25 boats". Said Yeo.

^{Team leader Jason Zucker and guests Scott and Nancy Bonnema and from Zimmerman, MN. show off two bass over 3.5 lbs each. The fish on the left was the biggest fish of the day. Nancy won the opportunity to fish by submitted a picture of her in a Wild jersy holding a trophy bass.}

Results for the event were as follows (All boats caught a 5-fish limit):

1. Team Justin Fontaine : 13.42 lbs
2. Team Matt Cooke : 12.92 lbs
3. Team Jason Zucker : 12.84 lbs
4. Team Erik Haula : 10.14 lbs
5. Team Keith Ballard : 8.04 lbs
6. Team Mike Yeo : 6.14 lbs

Biggest fish of the day honors went to Team Zucker with a 3.70 lbs bass.