SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild today launched the State of Hockey Anthem Project, partnering with seven home-grown artists to reprise the beloved team anthem. Each rendition, along with one-of-a-kind band and Wild merchandise, will be available for purchase on a dedicated State of Hockey Anthem page at PledgeMusic.com/wild. Proceeds benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation.
"The State of Hockey Anthem has deeply resonated with hockey fans throughout Minnesota, and there are countless stories and special memories associated with it," said Minnesota Wild Vice President of Brand, Content and Communications John Maher, who spearheaded the effort. "As we celebrate one of our most successful seasons ever on the ice, it's also a great time to reenergize the Anthem, and who better to do that than local artists who understand and appreciate what hockey means to Minnesotans?"
Starting today, tracks by Doomtree, Soul Asylum, 4onthefloor, Chris Hawkey Band, BNLX, Gramma's Boyfriend, and Dream Brother, artists with wide-ranging styles, are available for digital download or playback via the PledgeMusic app. Along with the music release, a collection of merchandise, including autographed items, will also become available on the Wild's PledgeMusic page.
In addition to the website, Wild broadcast partner iHeartMedia will play various renditions on stations with matching formats and during Wild programming on flagship KFAN. The Wild will also incorporate the new renditions in-arena during home games.
The State of Hockey anthem was first introduced during the Minnesota Wild's inaugural season home opener on October 11, 2000. It was written and composed for the Wild by the late John Olson, founder and CEO of Olson, a local advertising agency with whom the Wild has long partnered on its branding efforts.
"The State of Hockey Anthem is near and dear to the heart of our team and our fans. It has been a key piece of the team's identity since the team's inception," said Rachel Schuldt, executive director, Minnesota Wild Foundation. "The Minnesota Wild Foundation is proud to be part of a project that will not only help us serve our community but is sure to engage and delight our fans while showcasing the incredible talent of the local musicians involved."
Project proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation, whose mission is to support the game of hockey and improve the lives of families in the State of Hockey by funding programs that support these important goals.
Since its inception in 2009, the Minnesota Wild Foundation has granted over $3 million dollars to Minnesota non-profits that align with its mission. In total, the Minnesota Wild has invested more than $14 million dollars back into the community through donations and service. With help from Wild players, the Minnesota Wild Foundation supports pediatric medical causes, serves as the largest non-member funding source for Minnesota Hockey, and provides fundraising opportunities for youth hockey associations across the state. For more, visit wild.com/foundation.