A.J. Thelen is just Wild to be an Everblade

ESTERO, FL – A.J. Thelen, a defenseman for the Florida Everblades, hails from a town that appropriately describes the type of winters they face – savage – as in Savage, Minnesota.
 
“Up in Minnesota, hockey is big there.   We play hockey out on the frozen ponds.   The winters are cold; savage cold”, says Thelen with a smile.
 
Thelen’s immediate family, including his older sister, still lives up in the cold north of Minnesota.   Thelen is the first member in his family to not only play hockey, but to like it, and of course, excel at it leading to a shot at the NHL (National Hockey League).
 
Thelen played for Everblades Head Coach Malcolm Cameron last season with the now defunct Texas Wildcatters.   Thelen understands Cameron’s style of coaching since He hasn’t altered any of the basic strategy from his prior outstanding season.

 
Ironically, Thelens’ first professional point came against the Florida Everblades, registering an assist on 10/28/07.
 
Thelen played for two years with the Michigan State Spartans.   He earned All-CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) First-Team distinction as the first Spartan rookie player to do so.   He was also selected as the CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman in 2003-04.
 
It should come as no surprise that he was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the 1^st round (12^th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, his hometown team.
 
Thelen enjoys playing in Florida.   Needless to say it is a sharp contrast to the cold winds he was used to in Minnesota.
 
“This is a great arena, great fan support, of course great weather”, Thelen explains the perks of playing in Florida and feels that that the Blades are a very skilled team with a great deal of player depth.
 
“We have had a few rough patches, but it actually is good for the team.   It helps them to grow stronger.”
 
Thelen feels that if they continue to work hard, they’ll be tough to beat in the post-season. He also feels that his all-around play is a valuable asset to the team and is able to work in all types of situations, trying every game to help make himself and his team better.
 
Obviously the Wild’s first round pick hopes to play for his hometown team.   But, what else does he see in the crystal ball of his future? Thelen sums it up like this.
 
“Hockey is on my mind right now.   But someday I really want to settle down, get married and start a family”.
 
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com