Craig Leipold officially took over as owner of the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, completing the purchase of the team from Bob Naegele in the middle of the first-round playoff series against Colorado.
"It's been a long process," Leipold said at a press conference. "Lots of signatures the last couple days. We were hoping to get it done last week and didn't get done. It just kept dragging out and dragging out.
"I'm just thrilled to death. This is a dream, to be part of a hockey program like this in a market like this. It's probably going to hit me when I'm on my way back home."
Leipold lives in Racine, Wis., and probably didn't do himself any favours with Minnesota sports fans when he said taking over for Naegele, who has owned the Wild since its inception, was like Aaron Rodgers taking over at quarterback for Brett Favre.
"I feel little bit like Aaron right now," Leipold said. "Bob's going to be a real hard act to follow."
Favre is roundly despised in Minnesota by Vikings fans who were tormented too often by his late-game heroics, but they will likely recognize Leipold's effort to pay Naegele what he views as the highest of compliments.
The Hockey News: Headlines: Board of Governors approve Craig Leipold's purchase of Minnesota Wild
Board of Governors approve Craig Leipold's purchase of Minnesota Wild
Board of Governors approve Craig Leipold's purchase of Minnesota Wild 
