Minnesota Wild make heartwarming gesture to local high school team after they were victims of a crime

The Minnesota Wild have consistently been among the best teams in the NHL this season.

They currently sit third in a very strong Central Division with 70 points through 56 games.

However, the team has not been without controversy, as veteran forward Ryan Hartman was recently suspended ten-games for a brutal move on Tim Stutzle.

Hartman has since decided to appeal that suspension but we are still waiting to hear back from the Department of Player Safety regarding that decision.

In the meantime, the Wild appear to be paying it back to their community.

Last December, two high school clubs were set to face off in an outdoor game in Duluth, Minnesota, when one of the teams had all their sticks stolen from them, forcing the contest to be cancelled.

Today, the Wild announced that they will be hosting the two high schools, giving them the opportunity to play at Xcel center with the full NHL treatment including the team's PA announcer, the Wild's mascot, and the team's DJ running the music for the game.

The two teams featured in the game will be Mankato West High School and Anoka High, with the two school's varsity teams enjoying the rare opportunity to play in an NHL building.

While high school football is a huge cultural touchstone across the United States, in Minnesota, it is hockey that reigns supreme, so this is truly an extra special opportunity for these players and their families.

The game will be tomorrow night, February 10th at 7PM CT.