Franchise Notes

In Minneapolis, Rachel Blount noted with the NWHL Minnesota Whitecaps already "set to play home games at the Wild's practice rink," the teams "expanded their alliance" Monday, with the Wild assisting the Whitecaps in marketing, promotions and other areas during their first season. The Wild will "hold a 'joint celebration' of the teams' home openers" on Oct. 6, creating a "doubleheader of sorts in downtown." The Whitecaps are the third member of the five-team NWHL to "have an affiliation with an NHL franchise" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 8/13). In St. Paul, Dane Mizutani writes this partnership is a move that "makes sense for both sides" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 8/14).

GETTING CREATIVE: In Seattle, Geoff Baker writes potential names "floated my way by fans" for the city's proposed NHL expansion team included Orcas, Killer Whales, Killer Orcas, Sea Lions, Sockeyes, Steelheads, SeaDogs and Seawolves. Baker: "Plenty of sea life, which isn't surprising given geography" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/14).