Commodore joined former NHLers Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonette on the latest episode of the Spittin Chiclets podcast where he shared a story about Babcocks time with the Red Wings and how he dealt with legendary forward Mike Modano. Capping off an emotional night, Modano later went on to score the game-tying goal, as well as a shootout goal in a 32 Stars victory against the Anaheim Ducks. Guerin remembers first meeting Modano, at the 1989 World Junior Championship in Anchorage, Alaska. "She's giving me pointers on how to stop and how to skate. [24], During his tenure with the Raiders, Modano started dating Kerri Nelson, sister of his teammates Jeff and Todd Nelson. Stars legend, Wild exec Mike Modano on a conflicting series: 'It's a He has since played 19 years in the NHL, and his career is unusual in this era, as it has all been for one team. Modano scored his 500th career regular-season goal on March 13, 2007, with 10:24 left in the 3rd period in a regulation win against Antero Niittymki of the Philadelphia Flyers with assists by Antti Miettinen and Jon Klemm. Im just going to try to stay out of the way of everybody and just find my seat and sit up with Billy and Craig and just get away from everything and just try to enjoy the game and just kind of avoid any run-ins with past people, Modano said before the Wild were smoked 7-3. I feel privileged that I got to watch the transition of his game from high-flying, offensive player to the player you saw in the late 90s a two-way, determined player that plays in a Cup Final with a broken wrist and cast on his hand. NHL -- Mike Modano was a Hall of Fame person before becoming a - ESPN Hitchcock remembers introducing the idea to Modano. Lehtinen was a coachs dream, and Hull was tougher than people knew, a great goal scorer who could pass the puck. Modano was one of a number of sportsmen to feature in a series of vignettes for WWF superstar Mr. During the 2003-04 season, Modano enjoyed his largest payday, earning $9 million for the season. At a time when I thought my life was over at 17, I could never have imagined it was actually just beginning, Allison said. Welcome to NHL99, The Athletics countdown of the best 100 players in modern NHL history. Michael is a four-time Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and in 2017 was named the inaugural Red Fisher Award winner as best beat writer in the NHL. There is a 19 year age gap between Mike and his wife Allison. Modano says the Wild will be OK, especially if they can get Joel Eriksson Ek back in this series. Modanos salary continued to grow, and by the 1998-99 season, he was earning $5 million annually, which jumped to $6 million in 1999-00. You have to find something," Leipold said. Growing up in the Highland Township, Mike used to cause problems at school with his mischievous antics, and it was suggested to his father that he join a sport to keep him in line. In 1982, Mike played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, and during the 1984-85 season, he helped his team win the USA Hockey National Championship. Mike Modano is one of the most influential players in hockey, and while he doesnt have the largest fortune in the NHL, his legacy is undeniable. Modano made a brief cameo appearance alongside then-teammate Basil McRae in the 1992 film The Mighty Ducks. If she likes you, shes going to make sure the owner and her husband like you. "When we drafted him, I told [former North Stars owner] Gordon Gund, we're drafting a player with as much charisma as I've ever seen. Hull and Modano ran a Dallas restaurant, Hully & Mo Restaurant and Tap Room, from 2008 to 2012. Mike Modano was one of the most dedicated players in the NHL during his time on the ice, and he wasnt afraid to push his limits in order to get results. ", "He's got something that really makes people want to be around him, enjoy being around him and make them feel good about it.". Mike Modano was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014. Modano, Nieuwendyk, Turco, Lehtinen, Belfour, more play together in charity game - Dallas Morning News (blog) Stars Meet Young Fan Who Knows Peverley's Plight. They both do. His golf partner is often former Stars teammate Brett Hull. Modano was the fresh face that Dallas marketed to sell tickets. As of April 2023, Mike Modano's net worth is estimated to be $5 Million. [25], On November 30, 2006, singer/songwriter Willa Ford announced that Modano, her long-time boyfriend, had proposed to her during the weekend of Thanksgiving, 2006. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. "Once we made the move out to Phoenix, then we had kids, more and more, it became about, we've got options about where we want to go. For his final season in 2011, Modanos salary had decreased to $1.25 million. But on a personal side, with all that happened, I was fortunate enough to stay healthy and be around some good players for a good long time and have some good coaches and play on good teams. It wasnt the only topic in Modanos early calls and meetings with Hitchcock. [2] In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players. When hockey fans remember Mike Modano, they think of the smile and sparkling teeth, the early Duran Duran haircut, the youthful charisma, the Mighty Ducks cameo, the ability to do everything at top speed and, of course, the trademark flopping of the back of his jersey as he zipped up ice during his lengthy Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars career. Youd never know it at the time because he was quiet, shy, immature.. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. It was her that Modano quickly became an idol, selling the most jerseys and receiving the most letters. Mike Modano taught hockey to Texas and is forever at the head of Stars' class. He trusted our judgment and he trusted our coaching.. He also served as the games Western Conference team captain in 2004 and 2007, as well as the Special Ambassador in 2009. But in the past few years, Guerin, Modanos old Stars and USA Hockey teammate, has been trying to get the former star centerman more involved in hockey ops. However, if youre able to learn how to make the best out of any situation and make opportunities out of accidents, you will be much more likely to get ahead. Mike Modano Cards and Autographed Memorabilia Guide You can push the envelope a little bit. Hes always amazed by the details old teammates and coaches recall. Its a guy that I dont think gets credit enough for his two-way ability as a player. The center also displayed terrific two-way play throughout his career. He said, Yes. I said: Then why dont you shoot the puck? We just said, we gotta find a home for him. "We love the Midwest, we miss the four seasons. Likewise, as per Wealthy Gorilla, he has a fortune worth $50 million. The current point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, Spencer Dinwiddie, has builta substantial net worth as one of the bets players in the NBA. For Commodores latest tale regarding Babcock and Hall of Famer Mike Modano, stick with the story just below. Its no secret that former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore isnt exactly the biggest fan of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. [9] The Stars returned to the finals in 2000 against the New Jersey Devils. Still, Modano had no clue the North Stars were taking him until Nanne walked up to the podium and announced his name at the Montreal Forum on June 11, 1988. If you ask Kaner and Pav (Joe Pavelski) and (T.J.) Oshie, me included, we all loved watching Mo, Langenbrunner says. Obviously, Hitch and Gainey wouldve been the ones that pushed it, but it still comes down to the player accepting that. During that final season, Modano was on track to reach the 1,500 NHL games milestone, but according to Commodore, Modano was robbed of his milestone night by Babcock himself. All Rights Reserved. I dont know who I was with, but I was in the back of the plane, so I didnt really have that one-on-one time with Lulie. "I needed to take a skate around and, more or less, thank the fans for everything and for their loyalty and for everything they did for me in the early part of my career.