Wild on 7th - Episode #121 Nico Sturm, Bratwursts, and Cigarettes

This week on Wild on 7th, the podfathers sit down with fan-favorite, Jake Middleton, for a wide-open, laugh-heavy conversation that hits everything from the team’s recent on-ice surge to the unexpected chaos happening off it. Jake walks us through the origin story of the “Redwood Hat” that’s suddenly become the must-have item in the locker room and how it's turned into the squad’s unofficial badge of honor. He also talks about settling into his new life in the suburbs—complete with an electric snow blower and one tiny shovel—and gives us a peek into day-to-day neighborly living as a Minnesota Wild defenseman. Door dash, burgers, and Bunny's, and of course, no episode would be complete without a little behind-the-scenes team lore, including how Zuccarello might actually be Napoleon.  Cool and collected leadership, all around the room.  It’s one of the season’s funniest and most genuine conversations—don’t miss it.

The holiday season has finally arrived, and if you haven't started thawing out your thanksgiving turkey, I'd get on that or you won't be ready for dinner! Carts is a bit punch drunk on this pod, after a long day of travel and getting stuck on the runway in Winnipeg last night, but still delivered the pod in professional fashion. Kinger, knowing that Carter was sleep deprived, and assuming a possibly weakened condition, approached the age old "what's the best holiday?" topic with full confidence. We'll let you decide. The Minnesota Wild are certainly thawed out, and one might argue, HOT! King's whiskers are coming in thick, Fabes is bringing joy, Boldy is bringing leadership, and Kirill continues to bring points, but one familiar face is also back after injury...Nico Sturm. The German joins the pod this week and has a lot to say! Whether it's understanding your role, or what you can learn from playing with and against some of the biggest names in the league, Nico's wisdom is evident. This is a guy that knows how to play the game, because he's studied it, and practiced it, and then executes when it matters. So get those brats boiling, grab a beer, and settle in for an amazing show featuring your newest favorite German. Prost!

Mr.1000, Marcus Johansson drops by the pod this week to talk about his newly acquired comma, following his 1,000th NHL game and ceremony.  Carts and King are simply excited to have a new Swede on the show that isn't playing between the pipes.  Marcus talks about his up bringing in Sweden, his extensive NHL experience, World championships experiences, and playing with some of the greatest to play this game. JoJo's style sense also came to light, as he showed off his new kicks and talked about this new venture.  It is an outstanding feat to play 1000 NHL games, and with the number of points JoJo is putting up in the first month and half of the season, it appears he's making a solid case for the Swedish National team and a potential appearance in Milan.  Jojo is on a heater as of late, and we are all for him continuing this pace!  Listen up and get inside the head of our stoic swede, Marcus Johansson.

The Minnesota Wild have been searching for their game, but look like they are getting closer to finding it as of late. What changed you ask? It may have to do with the return of a key ingredient in the peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe. Carts and King breakdown what they've seen over the last week or so, and although some topics may have flashed the feeds already, the guys need to get their takes in. From Jojo's "no goal" goal," to Wallstedt doing his best Optimus Prime impression, and Trenin leading the league in hits for the moment, Wild on 7th's attention span bounces around like a TikTok feed this week. Kinger even bounces around the league with his TikTok teams! The Minnesota Wild are at home through the end of next week, so grab yourself a sandwich and a glass of milk, and listen up for some fresh takes, and a great look back with an awesome interview with Niklas Bäckström.

Following a "relief" of a win against the Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild will try to maintain composure over the next 4 games in only 6 days. Ryan Carter and John King connect for this weeks show with a little glimmer of a win in their eyes, after a tough stretch for Minnesota sports fans, let alone a struggling Wild team. The guys break it down, talk about the "players only" meeting spearheaded by Jared Spurgeon, and touch on what it's going to take to maintain a winning level of play. First time guest, Vinnie Hinostroza joins the pod for some amazing stories from both his youth, and his experienced NHL career, both oddly enough, right alongside Ryan Hartman for a lot of it. Can you imagine what those two got into at out of town hockey tournaments as kids?

Carts and King aren't letting the darkness creep in, even though the boys might feel like they're in an endless tunnel right now. For a week that didn't produce much to talk about, the hosts sure had a lot to say. But let's be honest, it was a tough week to be a Minnesota sports fan, but this show is going to change all that! Buckle up for a marathon pod, all leading up to an amazing interview with some legendary Minnesota Wild Alumns in Pierre Marc Bouchard, and Brian Rolston. The guys talk about style on and off the ice, how to dangle across the blue line or on the shootout approach, and how sometimes you just need to take a clap bomb from the hashmarks. Bouchard and Rolston talk about their time under Jacques Lemaire, the fond memories of the Xcel Energy Center, and how team meals were often made at home in those days. The Minnesota Wild celebrate their first 25th anniversary game tonight against the Winnipeg Jets, so listen up for a great pre-game pod, and dust off the old sweaters for a blast from the past.

The Minnesota Wild are kicking off the season with their first long road trip, and they head into Madison Square Garden tonight with high hopes.  Ryan Carter and John King bring you another installment of your favorite hockey podcast. While King is rocking his new shirt from the Lainey Wilson show the other night, Carts gives flowers to Jesper Wallstedt, the guys discuss Daniel Yurov's recent contributions, and King's love of Dallas.  Stick around for some fun with another 25th anniversary trivia segment, and even a college football check-in for the guys to discuss coaching, and PJ Fleck's recent jump for joy.

Minnesota Wild drop their home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it has been a hot start for Matt Boldy and dolla dolla bill Kirill Kaprizov. Ryan Carter and John King breakdown the first couple games of the season, talk about the home opener, and shut down the nonsense from the critical Minnesota fanbase. If the glass is half full, do as this pod preaches, and break the mold of negative perspectives. The hosts have some fun with another round of 25th anniversary trivia, and an 11-time Stanley Cup Champion, and former Minnesota Wild Head Coach, Jacques Lemaire joins us for a walk down memory lane. We're just getting warmed up, and have a long season ahead, so lace up, foil up, and listen up to one of the 100 greatest hockey players in the history of the NHL.  

Wild radio play by play Joe O'Donnell stops by the pod for another season opening edition of BOLD PREDICTIONS. Carts and King keep the banter light, the accusations fresh and the competition fierce as they outline their predictions for what is sure to be an exciting season. Kirill Kaprizov signed his deal, GusBus signed his deal, but now who is buying dinner at Billy's Sushi? Strap in for a long one, because after all the fun and games, a first time guest of the pod, Vladimir Tarasenko stops by for some amazing conversation. Hear what he has to say about life, winning Cups, and what he likes on his chicken, just don't ask him about the science behind kick points. If you make it to the end of this pod, you can do anything!

Buckle up for an EGGcelent show this week. Former Wild goaltender turned "hobby farmer" Alex Stalock stepped out of the chicken coop and into the pod studio for some fun banter about the Ryder Cup, some preseason hockey, and his love of Jelly Roll. Carter and King share some laughs about the trends on the internet, and conclude that sometimes they'd rather not make sense of things. Did you know farm fresh eggs can sit on the counter for weeks and still be good to eat? Don't take nutritional or food safety tips from a hockey podcast...or you may end up with blue egg shell on your face.