Feature Story
The LPH interview: New Minnesota Wild owner
Craig Leipold
The
Under Leipold’s
nine-plus seasons of ownership, the Predators were dedicated to building a
long-term winning franchise, playing an important role in the community through
service initiatives, providing a fun and entertaining game-night experience and
building strong relationships with their fans and corporate partners.
Appointed by
Leipold and his wife Helen (Chairman and Chief Executive officer of
Johnson Outdoors, Inc. and Chairman of Johnson Financial Bank Corp.) have five
sons: Chris, Kyle, Connor, Curtis and Bradford.
Let’s Play Hockey recently sat down
with the new
LPH: What does the State of
Craig Leipold:
“It is a mindset, a way of life, and a culture of this city and hockey market.
What they think of hockey and the priority that hockey has in this market.”
LPH: Will you continue your strong
relationship with the
CL: Absolutely. I am very appreciative of
the high value for all levels of hockey in this market. We will continue with
no changes. It is what people talk about and it is an important part of their
lives around the Wild offices on a daily basis.
LPH: Do you have input on hockey
decisions?
CL: Only from the mindset of what the
fans think. I only talk to Doug Risebrough as a fan.
LPH: Do you set a player salary budget
and what is the budget?
CL: Yes, it is just under the cap. We
have a budget, and continue to ask, “What is it going to take to win?” The
budget is very close to the cap.
LPH: What are the various options and
approximate timelines surrounding the resigning of Marion Gaborik?
CL: I am not involved with negotiations.
That is Doug Risebrough’s job.
LPH: As the only
major sports team in the Twin Cities without a mascot, why are the Wild adding
one now and how will it be used?
CL: In the summer, all players are gone
back to their respective homes. They have a long season and need to unwind. We
did not have a face during this time. The mascot will now be able to make
appearances at hospitals, schools and around the community. At games, the
mascot will only be in the concourse interacting with kids. Not in the bowl of
the arena. We will use this mascot as part of community outreach. Local
hospitals are thrilled with this new mascot.
LPH: Just a few years ago, the
CL: As an owner, it is good news/bad
news. Bad news is that the cap has gone up, good news is that the reason the
cap has gone up is because league revenues are up. It is a healthy league. 56
percent of league revenue is what the cap is based from.
LPH: Is your goal to win the
CL: Yes, no timetable. I want to win.
LPH: What changes in the game would like
to see in the next few years?
CL: More scoring, not bigger nets,
smaller goalie equipment could be a possibility, and realignment of the
division. No realignment plans are currently be
discussed until all franchises are stable.
LPH: What committees are you on at the
league level?
CL: I am not on any committees at this
time.
LPH: Are there any changes at the league
level as far as television goes?
CL: There are discussions with ESPN. We
are on NBC. Versus has been a good partner. We will have eight games on Versus this year. Four home and four road
games. Most ever for the Wild.
LPH: What are the possibilities of a
European division in the
CL: Yes, I do support it. This is where a
lot of our players come from. There is so much hockey going on in
LPH: Can hockey grow in the
CL: If you are able to maintain the
numbers you have now, that is not all bad. There may not be as many hockey fans
as other sports fans, but they are passionate.
LPH: With many
new immigrants coming to North America, can these demographic groups become
hockey players and fans?
CL: It is a challenge, but it is a
challenge for every sport. Hockey is a tough one. It’s not like basketball. You
need equipment, time, arenas and money. You need a devoted parent who is
committed to driving their son or daughter to the rink in early morning hours.
If we can keep what we have now in hockey, that would be good.
LPH: What would you like your legacy to
be when you move on from the Wild’s owners seat?
CL: Bob Naegele
Jr. created a culture and environment where people loved the game. He created
excitement that has generated 321 consecutive sell-outs. Every owner wants his
legacy to be that he is a Stanley Cup champion.
LPH: What is your management style?
CL: Hire the best people. Let them do
their job. Create a culture where you work hard and play hard. Build a winning
culture on and off the ice.\
LPH: How did you come to buying the Wild?
CL: Bob Naegele
Jr. and Jac Sperling called
me. It was never on my radar screen. I was very interested when they called. I
said as soon as things are complete in
LPH: Will you be doing more giveaways at
games this year?
CL: We will continue with what we have
done in the past.
LPH: Is there a place for fighting in
hockey?
CL: Yes, absolutely there is a place for
fighting. The people who know hockey know why a fight happens. It is a
respected part of the game.
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