There’s nothing more exciting in sports than watching an underdog team defy the odds. Just ask fans of the Minnesota Wild.

In only their third year of existence, the Wild have already surpassed even the most optimistic expectations by making the National Hockey League playoffs and, in a shocking upset, knocking off the mighty Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling seven-game series. It’s the best Cinderella story in Minnesota sports since &045; well, since last year’s Twins beat the heavily favored Oakland A’s in the playoffs.

For fans in the State of Hockey, this year’s success has been a moment to savor. After a long dry spell, the Gophers hockey team won a national championship last year, then repeated the feat. And after losing their beloved North Stars to Dallas and waiting years to get a new team, pro hockey fans not only get to experience Stanley Cup playoff action again, but see their team win.

Minnesota has some of the best (and most rabid) hockey fans anywhere south of Canada. They have waited a long time and deserve the rewards they’ve reaped so far this year. It’s a great time to be a hockey fan.