The ceremonial puck drop at Sunday night’s game between the Minnesota Wild and the Nashville Predators featured a special guest that had ties to both teams: three-time Olympic medalist, alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn.
Vonn, who is widely regarded as the one of the greatest-ever Alpine skiers, is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and was cheered on by her hometown crowd. She is also currently dating Nashville defenseman PK Subban.
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Before dropping the puck, Vonn embraced Wild player Kevin Fiala, who was traded to Minnesota from Nashville last week.
She also punched Subban’s teammate Roman Josi in the arm.
Vonn also appeared to make a joking gesture at her boyfriend on the bench.
In an interview with Kathryn Tappen, Vonn said she is rooting for both teams.
“It’s definitely weird because I’m cheering for both teams,” Vonn said. “Obviously, my boyfriend, I want him to win. But also, my brother is a huge Wild fan and my whole family still lives in Minnesota.”
Subban had dinner with Vonn’s family the night before.
Vonn recently retired from alpine ski racing after a historic career. She has a record-breaking 82 World Cup victories, eight World Championship medals, and three Olympic medals. Her gold medal in 2010 was the first won by an American woman in the downhill discipline of alpine skiing.
After her retirement, Subban surprised the GOAT skier with a cake literally in the shape of a goat.
Headline image: NHL
