The Minnesota Wild were doing their media day photo shoots on Thursday. In a rather unorthodox, yet temporarily effective move, forward Mikael Granlund took some ice shavings off the ice surface and rubbed it through his hair as if it were hair gel. While ice isn't your typical hair-styling product, it certainly made for a short-term hold, so Granlund could get that perfect look for the camera.
Now, if this was done out during a game to impress a cute girl sitting next to the team bench, we’d probably tell you that this is somewhat gross. Besides, all that sweat inside a helmet would have a much stronger hold anyways. The only time anyone should touch snow from the ice is to clean any buildup on your stick, unless you need to clean your goalie off after a snowshower, but you'll be doing that with your glove anways.
Consider that amount of spit, phlegm, sweat, and other bodily fluids that litter the ice surface over the course of a game. You might not be able to see it, but it’s still there. It’s precisely why your parents told you not to play in those big piles of snow outside your local hockey rink where the zamboni driver would dispose of all the excess snow that builds up during an ice clean.
But since this what merely for a photoshoot and was purely fun-orientated, it’s all in good nature. Plus, Granlund has a great set of hockey hair to him.
The 25-year-old had a breakout season in 2016/17, notching 26 goals and 43 assists for 69 points in 81 games. Granlund will be a key component to the Wild’s offence this year, as they’ll look to build off their spectacular regular season where they finished second in the Central Division with 106 points.
The Wild play their first pre-season game on Monday, September 18 in Winnipeg.
(@spittinchiclets)
