VIDEO: One-on-one with Minnesota Wild center Zenon Konopka

Minnesota Wild center Zenon Konopka believes we need to better understand concussions if we ever hope to stem the tide of injuries that have plagued the NHL the past few years and the 31-year-old is willing to put his money where his mouth is. Last winter Konopka introduced a line of red and white wines, ZK28, and agreed to donate a dollar from each bottle sold to www.stopconcussions.com, a concussion/neurotrauma educational and awareness website.

And when he caught wind of the Charity Ping-Pong Challenge being put on by Dominic Moore and the NHLPA, Konopka knew he wanted to be part of Smashfest!

THN’s Ryan Kennedy caught up with the rugged pivot at the event to discuss concussions, the new-look Wild and more.

REPORTER: Ryan Kennedy | PRODUCER: Ted Cooper