The Minnesota Wild composed the Wild Anthem before the start of the 2000-2001 inaugural season. In the State of Hockey, where hockey tradition runs deep, it seemed logical to write lyrics (accompanied by energetic, Celtic-flavored music) that symbolized all of the elements of Minnesota's rich hockey heritage.

Since the first puck drop, the Wild Anthem has been featured as part of the game presentation at Wild home games. There have been various versions of the piece, and each one embodies the pride we have in the game of hockey and the communities and lives it touches throughout our great state.

This is the State of Hockey. Watch the anthem on WildTV.

We were raised
With the stick
And a pair of blades
On the ice we cut our teeth
We took our knocks
In the penalty box
Our mother was the referee

This sport was here
Before we came
It will be here when we're gone
The game's in our blood
And our blood's in the game
Lay us down under
A frozen pond

We will fight to the end
We will stand and defend
Our flag flying high and free
We were born the child
Of the strong and Wild
In the State, the State of Hockey

A big blue line runs around our state
A line that can't be crossed
The day they try to take this game
Is the day the gloves come off

We will fight to the end
We will stand and defend
Our flag flying high and free
We were born the child
Of the strong and Wild
In the State, the State of Hockey.