Crease and Assist Podcast

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the never ending soap opera of Marco Rossi and his latest contract request and whether it's fair or not. They also discuss what potential moves does Bill Guerin even have at this point. 

They also answer listener questions too. If you would like to be a part of the conversation s well, contact us on X/Twitter or Blue Sky and tag it #CreasePodcast, and we'll respond on our next show!

Happy listening.

Welcome, welcome!

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) talk about the back to back Walter Cup Champions, our Minnesota Frost. They talk both about the players who were key to the win, but perhaps more importantly, who the team should protect in this off-season's dispersal draft (similar to the NHL expansion draft). For the Minnesota Frost and their fellow PWHL teams, it's going to be an interesting offseason for all. Hopefully it's not as detrimental as the Vegas expansion draft was to the other 30 NHL teams. Next, they tackle the David Jiricek situation, as longtime...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24), once again discuss the future with the Wild of Marco Rossi. However, it's more of an aside, as once again we're in the middle of discussion of who the fans want on the team and who management will be able to get into a Wild uniform. Those players, being the two Brocks, Boeser and Nelson, Mitch Marner, and Tage Thompson. We then discuss the words of former NHLer Jaroslav Spacek in regards to his son David who has been a fantastic role player...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) react to the Wild's end of season player interviews as well as Wild General Manager Bill Guerin and Head Coach John Hynes' press conference. What did they say and perhaps just as important, not say. In addition, we have fan reactions to some of those statements, including whether dealing Marco Rossi is a good idea or whether they should keep Gustav Nyquist or not.

If you would like to join the conversation, post at us using the hashtag #CreasePodcast on either X (Twitter) or BlueSky!

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) break down another one and done playoff run. Thanks to all our listeners and followers on Twitter/X and BlueSky for the numerous comments and votes on our polls. They definitely created discussion for all of us. As many of you noted, we all have a lot of questions regarding the future of this team. Well, there's always next year...

If you have questions or comments, please sure to talk to us on Twitter/X and BlueSky, and we'll add them into a future show. 

In today's episode, join Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) as the look towards the upcoming first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Between looking at poll results about the Wild's chances of getting out of the first round and how many games newly signed Zeev Buium will play in the first round (and looking at the numerous comments those two questions generated), we have a pretty realistic view of what this year's Minnesota Wild can hope for. Mind you, most of us are hoping for the results created by rose-tinted glasses, but as Minnesota sports fans, we...

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) talk about potential playoff opponents if the Minnesota Wild manage to make it in. The possible opponents being Dallas, Winnipeg, or Vegas. Let's just say, none of them are ideal candidates, but considering the current play, there's no good opponent at this time. They also go over some poll results and answer some listener questions. They round out the episode talking some NCAA hockey, both women's and men's.

If you have any questions, please make sure to ask on Twitter/X or BlueSky using the #CreasePodcast hashtag, a...

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the trade deadline deals now that the Wild have a few games under their collective belts since that day. And of course, with those trade deadline deals, this again raises the question is Wild General Manger Bill Guerin really doing what this team needs to find true success on the ice. Thanks to you our listeners, for the numerous comments to our two poll questions. They certainly provided lots of perspective for us to discuss. 

Also as we mentioned, please consider donating to the Go Fund M...

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) break down the Wild's 2025 Trade Deadline acquisitions and deals. It was a busy trade deadline around the league, but Minnesota's deals definitely left a lot to be desired. And it should come as no surprise, but the fans had thoughts on the transactions and Minnesota's Front Office. Many thanks to our listeners on the discussions regarding our poll topic as well as raising other topics and questions. The episode was rounded out by some local and NHL news.

If you want to be a part of the...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) cover all things Minnesota Wild prospects. We discuss Scott Wheeler's from The Athletic recent #2 ranking of the Wild's prospect pool and whether or not that's something to actually get excited about. We also discuss which players are the fans most excited about, which players they're the most concerned about, and which prospects that might be flying under the radar. We share a ton of listener comments as well as answer some questions sent to us. 

If you would like to join the conversation, seek us out on Twitter/X or...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the 10-game suspension the league assessed Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman. Next, we discussed if given the choice, would you rather keep Matt Boldy or Marco Rossi. We then played a bit of a game of "Love It, Leave It, or Valentine's Day Card." Finally, we round up the episode with listener questions as well as NHL and general hockey news.

If you would like to be part of the conversation, just post at Derek, Theresa, or Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) and tag it #CreasePodcast!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24), discuss the news of Kaprizov's surgery and possible impact of his absence. They also talk about the amazing response by Montreal fans of Marc-Andre Fleury's last game at Bell Centre, in his shutout win against the Canadiens. We also answer listener questions. Today's episode is finished with Theresa's Take where she looks at the NHL's stance on the Minnesota Wild going to the Minnesota legislature to get public funding in order make some upgrades at Xcel Energy Center.

If you would like to join the conversation just p...

In today's episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) break down team grades for the current roster. If you're in school (or have fond memories of being in school) and it's midterm or J-term (January Term), you know that feeling of knowing where you stand at the approximate halfway point of the term. We also discuss the disappointing viewing number of this year's NHL Winter Classic Game, and ask what changes need to make this event a special and exciting event again. We also answer some listener questions and round out the episode with some NHL and general...

Happy New Year everyone!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) ring in 2025 with a discussion about which player(s) have impressed us the most in 2024. Then there's the developing situation of the slew footing of team captain Jared Spurgeon. Then they assigned some New Year's Resolutions for the team. Lastly they wound up the episode by answering listener questions.

We'd like to thank all of you for helping us make 2024 a big success for the podcast by interacting with us on our polls, asking questions, and leaving comments. YOU all are wh...

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanza. Happy New Year.

Now that we have all the holiday greetings out of the way, please join Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@Kalisha Townsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24), as they discuss the current state affairs of the Minnesota Wild as the NHL heads into the holiday break. Today's main topics is David Jiricek, and if/when we will see him in Saint Paul. Next, we hand out gifts (to people who are doing well), coal (to the naughty people), and Missile Toads (the strange gifts we sometimes receive and don't know how to react...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the Minnesota Wild's continued success this season, the recent acquisition of David Jiricek in a trade with Columbus, as well as share listener poll responses and listener questions. 

If you would like to join the conversation, contact Derek or Theresa on both Twitter/X and BlueSky or Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) on Twitter/X, and use the tag #CreasePodcast, and we'll include it in our next show.

**Due to technical difficulties, we had to re-record today's episode. Sadly, this means that Kalisha was unable to be a part of the second of the recording. We tried to include some of her responses as we remembered them.**

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Theresa (@MNSOTA24), and Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) discuss what are the Minnesota Wild's plans with Marco Rossi, whether this team needs toughness (or for its tough guys to step up), as well as listener polls and listener questions and comments. 

If you would like to join the conversation, hit us up on Twitter/X...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) are joined by Minnesota sports historian, author, and documentarian Dan Whenesota (@Whenesota). They discuss Dan's most recent documentary North Star State, which chronicles the eventful history of the Minnesota North Stars. We ask Dan about some of the history, and whether if it could have played out differently or was the team destined to move no matter what. Links to Dan's books and documentary are shown below.

History of Heartbreak: 100 Events that Tortured Minnesota Sport Fans

A Slap Shot in Time: The Wild but True Story of t...

Welcome to today's episode where Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss and break down the hot start that the Minnesota Wild have had to the 2024-25 NHL season. They start out with a bit of fun, comparing the team to various breakfast cereals. Next, they tackle the Marcus Foligno question and what truly scares them and the fans about this team. They then get to the heart of the matter, as to whether or not this hot start is sustainable in the long run thanks to a question by Jay (@Jbushy19). They round out the episode talking...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) talk about the recent success or lack thereof that the Minnesota Wild and the Iowa Wild have had in the early days of their respective 2024-25 seasons. While things aren't exactly perfect in Saint Paul, things are decidedly worse in Des Moines. They also discuss if the Minnesota Wild finally have a #1 center in Marco Rossi as well as thoughts on the upcoming season of the Minnesota Frost. This episode is rounded out by answering listener questions and some quick bits of general hockey news.

If you...

In this episode, join Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) as they discuss the impact of Jared Spurgeon's latest injury on the current schedule and the team's overall future. Next they take on a couple of listener polls as well as a listener question (thanks Mort!). They then round out the show with some NHL news and the never ending questions of what is goaltender interference and what the "A" on a player's jersey really means.

If you want to be part of the conversation, please tweet one of us on X/Twitter and use the...

In this episode, join Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) as we discuss an off-season conversation/idea/rumor that addresses the possibility of Kirill Kaprizov joining the Blackhawks organization. As an aside to that topic, we asked the question of fans if that would affect how they support the team as a whole. Next, we tackle the question of where we and the fans predict where the Minnesota Wild will finish in the Central Division standings. We finish up by answering listener questions and talking about a couple of general NHL and Minnesota high school hockey questions.

If...

In this episode, Theresa (@MNSOTA24) and Kalisha (@KailshaTownsell) are joined by 10,000 Rink and Hockey Wilderness Editor-in-Chief Tony Abbott (@OhHiTony) as they discuss the start of the Minnesota Wild training camp and pre-season. They discuss how well they expect the team to do for the upcoming 2024-25 NHL Season. They also tackle whether the Minnesota PWHL team did a decent job by naming its team the Minnesota Frost. They round out the show by answering listener questions and answer a couple of poll questions.

If you would like to be a part of the conversation, reach out on...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss recent Minnesota Wild news as well as two listener polls. In these polls, we discuss the direction the team is taking, and whether the organization is on the right path to success.

If you would like to join the conversation, on X just tag your message with #CreasePodcast, and we'll include it in our next show!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the myriad of moves Minnesota made to try to reinforce the Iowa Wild. We will also discuss what to do with Liam Ohgren and Marat Khustnutdinov. Kalisha also discussed an article she's currently working on for HockeyWilderness.com, and creating an Under-24 Minnesota Wild roster. 

If you want to join the conversation Tweet at one of us and tag it #CreasePodcast and we'll include it in our next show!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the recent 2024 NHL Entry Draft and the opening of free agency, and how the Minnesota Wild fared. To some degree, there are more questions than answers when it comes to how this team acquires new talent. Thanks to all of you who answered our poll questions and gave some feedback of your own in regards to the new talent coming to Minnesota.

If you would like to be part of the question, please tweet one of us and use the hashtag #CreasePodcast, and we'll be sure...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the results of the 2024 PWHL Minnesota draft class. We address the Britta Curl controversy as well as updating the Front Office drama that led to the removal of Natalie Darwitz as General Manager.

If you would like to join the conversation, please post to us on X and tag it #CreasePodcast and we'll include your comments and questions on our next show.

Britta Curl Selection Reddit Response

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft, specifically focusing on who the team should consider to take with its first selection at 13th overall. The group also discusses a listener poll and questions too! 

Please join us on June 28th at Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub on Friday June 28th at 5:30pm. 

If you would like to join the conversation, please tweet at one of us and tag it #CreasePodcast, and we'll include it in our next show!

In this impromptu episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the exciting Walter Cup victory by Minnesota's Professional Women's Hockey League team. That championship will soon be amplified, when Minnesota hosts the PWHL Draft on June 10th. It will be interesting to see how Minnesota and the other five teams in the league choose to build for their respective futures. 

If you want to be part of the conversation, please tweet Derek, Theresa, or Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) and we'll include your question or comment in the next show!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) comment on what we have learned about the Minnesota Wild while watching the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. We also discuss the tremendous comeback by the Minnesota PWHL team to rally back from a 2-0 series deficit to advance in a 4-1 thriller over Toronto. We also discuss the 2024 IIHF World Championships as well as some interesting storylines that have emerged so far from the games. Then we answer a number of listener questions and Theresa gives her two cents on the "interesting" (to use Minnesota parlance) playoff song for the Edmonton Oilers.<...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss which player Wild fans would like to see moved this summer, the way too early prediction for where the team will finish for the 2024-25 season, and share memories of the late great Al Shaver, the voice of the Minnesota North Stars. We will also take time to answer listener questions too.

If you would like to join the conversation, tweet at one of us and tag it #CreasePodcast, and we'll put it on our next show.

Also as a reminder, please join us...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the conclusion of the 2023-24 Minnesota Wild season, and in particular the comments made by Wild General Manager, Bill Guerin in his post-season press conference. We also share our listeners "Way Too Early Wild Slogans" for the 2024-25 Wild season. Lastly, we finish it up by talking about the NHL relocating and selling the Arizona Coyotes to Ryan Smith and the club moving to Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you would like to join the conversation, tweet one of us and tag it #CreasePodcast, and we...

So while Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) was away, Theresa (@MNSOTA24) and Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) had some things to say about the Minnesota Wild in his absence. It also appears that our listeners had a lot to say as well, especially by the number of questions received that they would love to ask Wild General Manager Bill Guerin. Theresa and Kalisha enjoyed answering those questions for you all (technical difficulties may have ensued), and we hope you love the sarcastic spin we gave them. They also discussed a poll in regards to how the fans are feeling about the organization in the remaining...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist), Theresa (@MNSOTA24), and Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell) discuss the recent suspension of Ryan Hartman and whether it was justified or not. We also have a short segment where we consider what one question each of us would ask Wild General Manager Bill Guerin if we could as well as answer listener questions. Lastly, Derek discusses his thoughts on the NCAA transfer portal in full effect.

If you would like to join the conversation, please contact one of us on Twitter and tag it #CreasePodcast and we'll include it in our next show!

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the Minnesota Wild's latest misfortunes in March as well as discuss how fans see the rest of the 2023-24 season playing out. They also discuss the return of Vladislav Firstov from Russia as well as answer listener questions. Theresa then tackles the NHL's ignorance of CTE as another enforcer and former Wild player Chris Simon passes away far too soon. 

If you would like to join the conversation, tweet one of us and use hashtag #CreasePodcast and we will address it on our next show.

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the resurgence of Marc-Andre Fleury as the Wild make a push for the post-season. Have the Wild abandoned the Gus Bus for good? We also discuss the arrival of Marat Khusnutdinov and his Minnesota Wild debut. After that, we answer listener question, share some news around the hockey world, and round out the episode with Theresa talking about the Alpharetta, GA based ownership group and their push for NHL expansion to Georgia (for the third time).

If you would like to join the conversation, you can tweet at...

In this episode, we hear from Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) as they discuss our thoughts on the Minnesota Wild's trade deadline moves. We talk about who was moved and what the team got in return. We also talk a bit about the 2024 Minnesota State Boys Hockey Tournament and make our predictions for the Class A and Class AA Finals. Then we answer listener questions and then round out the episode with Theresa discussing the worst ever NCAA brackets in D-III Men's and Women's hockey.

If you would like to join the conversation, Tweet one of us...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the current state of affairs for the Iowa Wild, and address whether its struggles should be a concern for the Minnesota Wild. We also discuss the team re-signing Mason Shaw, and who should (and who would) come out of the lineup if he was put into action. There also talks about the Ridly Greig-Morgan Rielly incident as well.

If you would like to join the conversation, please tweet at one of us and tag it #CreasePodcast and we'll include it in our next show.

Morgan Rielly...

In this episode, Dere, (@CreaseAndAssist), Kalisha (@KalishaTownsell), and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) examine the Minnesota Wild prospect pool and who they're the most excited about. They also answer a bunch of listener questions and Theresa discusses why she thinks Valkyries would be a great name for Minnesota's Professional Women's Hockey League team. If you have a question for the crew, reply to one of us on Twitter/X and tag it #CreasePodcast, and we'll put it on our next show. Thanks again to everyone who voted, commented, and interacted with us so far.

2022 Article About Drafting of Ohgren and...

In this episode, Derek (@CreaseAndAssist) and Theresa (@MNSOTA24) discuss the Minnesota Wild's recent loss of team captain Jared Spurgeon due to surgeries to his back and hip that will cost him the remainder of the season. That situation has allowed the team to place him on Long-Term Injury Reserve and has given the Wild some cap space that is previously didn't have. We will discuss the results of a poll on what fans think Wild General Manager Bill Guerin will do with that space and whether or not the fanbase will accept a true rebuild or not. We will...