A bittersweet homage to Charlie Coyle

Coyle after scoring the first goal of game two (Twitter/@NBCSBoston).

This past Monday, Wild fans saw something they had been waiting to see since 2012; Charlie Coyle playing in game one of the Stanley Cup Final. The only problem? Coyle was wearing a Bruins sweater. As most of you know, this past February, Charlie Coyle was traded to the Boston Bruins. It was a trade that had to happen. Since Coyle debuted with the Wild back in 2012, he had always struggled to find consistency on the ice. The one place he never had trouble finding consistency? Off the ice.

Ask any Wild employee which player from the past seven seasons they would want to work with; 10 times out of 10 the answer would most likely be Charlie Coyle. I’ve been lucky enough to have behind-the-scenes access within the Wild organization since the Wild’s inaugural season. My dad, Wayne Petersen, has been with the organization from the very beginning. I’

Coyle waves to a young fan in 2013 (Twitter/@BleacherReport).

ve been around many players over the years but one stands out more than any other. That player is Charlie Coyle. He, as some people say, “gets it.” He treats everyone with respect. Every organization needs a Charlie Coyle. He’s the kind of person who stays late at events just to make sure every kid gets an autograph.

Looking back, I have so many great memories of Coyle. I remember the times when I dreamed of him wearing the C for the Wild someday and hoisting the Cup above his head. That is what makes this Stanley Cup Final so bittersweet for me. I want Charlie Coyle to win a Cup. He deserves all the success that comes his way. I just wish he was able to do it in a Wild sweater.