Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks: Minnesota hockey culture, player development philosophy and using small area games in the NHL

In episode #272, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks at the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association’s Fall Clinic for a live interview.

Prior to being named the GM, Hendricks spent five seasons as the Wild’s Assistant Director of Player Development. Of course, prior to that he suited up for over 600 NHL games, spending time with the Avalanche, Capitals, Oilers, Jets and Wild.

Growing up, he captained Blaine High School to a Minnesota State Championship and if you’ve never spent time in Minnesota, that is a HUGE deal in that part of the world.

Listen as he shares what makes hockey in Minnesota so special, why there's no forward button on player development, and why small area games are key, even at the NHL level.