Former North Stars Legend Preps For HOF Induction
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If you grew up rooting for the Minnesota North Stars, then no doubt you remember Mike Modano. He played his entire career for the team, now the Dallas Stars.
On Monday, Nov. 17, Modano will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He was the No. 1 draft pick by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988 and it didn't take long for him to steal the hearts of hockey fans at the Met Center.
"I think hockey brings the kid out in you and I think there's always a part of you that will never grow up and never grow out of that aspect of it," Modano said.
He was just a teenager out of Livonia, Michigan when he scored 75 points in first full season for the North Stars, putting on a show for hockey fans across the state.
"I certainly recall the first time I put on the North Stars jersey," Modano said, reflecting on his first playoff game. "It was just a couple games in St. Louis and it was a tough environment."
Mike married Allison Micheletti in September 2013. If you recognize the Micheletti name it's because her father is former Gopher great Joe Micheletti.
This summer the couple welcomed twins, Jack and Kate. With all these new beginnings, Modano took a moment to think about what the induction will mean.
"Being in Toronto is going to be tough to get through. It's going to be a great weekend with family and friends and I am really looking forward to it. And your speech, you really don't know what to say," Modano said.
Five of his 21 years in the league he spent in Minnesota. He remains the highest scoring American-born player in NHL history, and continues to be called "the greatest American hockey player of all time," a title which he believes took time.
"I think it's a role that evolved, you try to career yourself on the ice and off the ice," he said.
As for his children, the family has bigger plans in store for them other than hockey. Modano's wife is a professional golfer and they first met out on the golf course.
"Hopefully, they both play golf. If their mom has any say, they will play golf," Modano said.
Modano will be joined next month by Peter Forsberg, Rob Blake and Dominic Hasek, who will also be inducted later this month.
