A former Edmonton Oilers forward is taking a stab at being the general manager of a team.
A former Edmonton Oilers forward is taking a stab at being the general manager of a team.
EDMONTON -- May and June are the best months to be a hockey fan.
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If the team you cheer for is in the playoffs - like the Edmonton Oilers - each game brings a new level of excitement and anxiety. If your team is out of the post season, then they are more than likely making changes to coaches, management in addition to deciding which players to bring back for next season.
One organization that is going through changes is the Minnesota Wild. They announced a slew of changes to their hockey operations yesterday.
Some long time Oilers fans will recognize one of the names involved in the management shuffle.
Matt Hendricks is being promoted from Assistant Director of Player Development to General Manager of the Iowa Wild - their AHL affiliate. He is entering his sixth season with the organization.
Hendricks played with the Oilers for four seasons - from the 2013-14 season up until the 2016-17 season. Hendricks was a hard-nosed player who wasn't the fastest or most skilled player, but always gave his all on every shift.
Perhaps his most memorable moment as an Oilers player came in a game against the Dallas Stars in January of 2016. While killing a penalty during the second period of the hockey game - he blocked a shot. But he didn't block it with his leg, arm, skate or even face.
He blocked it with his groin.
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Of course when he did he dropped to the ice like a ton of bricks. He eventually came off the ice of his own accord, albeit in a lot of pain.
Eagle eyed viewers will also be able to spot Mattias Janmark playing for the stars - as well as a very young Leon Draisaitl, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Darnell Nurse.
It's good to see someone find success outside of playing the sport - let's hope that success continues for him.
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