Watch CBS News

Wild's Koivu Misses 'Adrenaline Of The Games'

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu recently returned from playing in Finland to join the locals for some pick-up hockey.

"Helps when you get into the game and all that, but it is what it is. You got to go day by day and see what happens," Koivu said.

Like his colleagues, Koivu is confused about why there's a lockout, and he's anxious to find out what the new Wild could look like.

Koivu just wants to play. He did in Finland before returning to Minnesota to be with his Wild teammates. He misses what they all miss - the competition that only the NHL offers.

"You're missing the adrenaline of the games, and obviously…the routine, being around the guys and all that. That's the fun part of the game," he said.

Zach Parise and Ryan Suter have created the buzz that can only be realized by playing games.

"We got a lot better, I think. But we have to realize that…you have to show it on the ice as well," he said.

But right now, it's in the hands of lawyers, and Koivu knows only that the players are unified.

"We have to make sure that the players get what we think is right for us in the future as well," Koivu said. "Not just looking at this day, but on the road for a lot of years. We're just trying to do the right thing, and what we believe in, and…we've been strong so far and we will be."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.