Brad is an original Paper King playing two seasons in his hometown and is the only player in franchise history to have his number retired. His number five hangs in the rafters at the Hap Parker Arena. Below is the story from the Wild website.
The Minnesota Wild will announce later today that former seven-time Wild captain Brad Bombardir is the team's Director of Player Development, a newly-created role by Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher and his hockey operations staff. Bombardir, who will continue to maintain his current position as Senior Director of Community Relations, will begin his duties immediately and will join Wild management in Los Angeles today.
Wild TV will talk to Bombardir today upon his arrival in California.
In this position, Bombardir will be charged with being the liaison between Wild management and the team's prospects in Houston and the amateur ranks. He will be responsible for evaluating and implementing programs to help continue their development.
Bombardir, 38 (5/5/72), was one of the most popular players in team history. He was acquired by Minnesota via a trade with the New Jersey Devils in June of 2000. The Powell River, B.C., native was a member of the franchise?s inaugural team and played a total of 212 games in a Wild sweater. During his run in Minnesota, he was named the monthly captain a franchise-record seven times, and helped in the development of young defensemen such as Willie Mitchell and Nick Schultz. Bombardir also played an active role in all of the team?s community relation?s affairs making appearances at schools and hospitals, along with participating in the organization?s charitable activities.
Originally drafted by the Devils in the third round of the 1990 Entry draft, Bombardir played 356 games during his eight years in the NHL with New Jersey, Minnesota and Nashville. He made his NHL debut with the Devils during the 1997-98 campaign, and captured a Stanley Cup championship in his third season with New Jersey in 1999-2000. Prior to reaching the NHL, Bombardir played four years of college hockey at North Dakota of the WCHA from 1990-94. He also spent three seasons (1994-1997) with Albany of the American Hockey League, and helped the River Rats win the 1995 Calder Cup.
