Jump to content
Hockey Wilderness

  • Marcus Foligno Is One Of A Kind

    Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett - USA TODAY Sports
    Mikki Tuohy

    By Mikki Tuohy -

     

    On the surface, Marcus Foligno is a tough, gritty hockey player who isn’t afraid to slam bodies into the boards and Superman punch an opponent. But another side of Foligno has fans online dubbing him Mama Moose. Let’s be clear that this is not a bad thing or an insult. It’s a fun example of the duality of human nature, the rough exterior and soft inside. 

    But instead of digging into the philosophical side, this is all about why Foligno is such a great guy to keep around. Why does Foligno seem to ooze suburban wine mom energy? Below are a few elements of Moose’s softer side:

    Landscape Photos

    Everyone needs a few landscape photos to really set the vacation scene, especially for a possible scrapbook. Moose was almost left behind while he tried to take a winter panoramic picture during the team bonding activity. As he tried to catch up with the rest of his team, he yelled, “It’s just so beautiful,” so that all of the viewers at home could also appreciate the beauty. 

    data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

    The Pride in His Eyes

    Foligno is one of the veterans in the locker room, and judging by the look in his eyes, he’s extremely proud of every young kid who gets a chance to make it in the NHL. Below is a video of Connor Dewar’s first game with the Minnesota Wild. At the very beginning, Foligno looks like a proud Mama Moose. 

    data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

     

    Strict Code of Fighting

    As one of the top fighters on the Wild, Foligno is known as a tough guy. But he follows a strict code of conduct when playing physically. In this clip, Moose motions for the refs to break up the fight even though the other guy wants to keep going. Once his opponent’s face started bleeding, Foligno knew Nikolai Knyzhov was in over his head and stopped the fight.

     

    Physical Affection

    When it comes to celebrations on the ice, Moose isn’t afraid to show physical affection, and he isn’t the only one. The Wild players are such close buddies that a little smooch isn’t out of the question. At one point, Foligno kissed Zuccarello so passionately that he knocked his helmet off. 

     

    In another game, he pecks Matt Dumba on the cheek after Foligno scores his third point.

     

    Concern About Frostbite

    During the Wild’s Amazing Race adventure, Foligno was overly concerned that Jordan Greenway was running around without mittens on. “Greener, get some gloves on, bud,” he said. “Keep those mitts hot.” It’s the constant refrain of parents in the winter to their children.

     

     

    Getting Everyone Fed

    Like so many other caregivers, Foligno wants to ensure everyone gets fed. Once, he even brought Ryan Reaves a giant piece of pizza during his interview with Kevin Gorg. 

     

    Takes One For the Team

    A good caregiver isn’t afraid to take one for the team. A lot of times that means a physical fight. But other times, it’s by doing things that might be uncomfortable but good in the long run, like submerging himself in the lake dressed in hockey gear. 

     

    Just A Relatable Guy

    Those 360 cameras are all the rage nowadays. Moose is dancing in this one about the same way I’d dance in one at a wedding. 

     

    Mama Moose Leads the Way

    Foligno was in charge of his group during the Amazing Race team bonding activity, leading Joel Eriksson Ek and Jake Middleton. Foligno didn’t let the fact that he had no clue what he was doing stop him from leading the way. He kept everyone’s spirits up with some humor and wasn’t afraid to break the rules to lead his pack to the finish.

     

    But What Does This All Mean?

    Overall, this is an excellent example of how all hockey players are human. They have a whole other side to their personality that might not appear on the ice. It’s also a good way to show that enjoying hockey doesn’t have to be all about stats and replays. There is room for fun.

     

    By Mikki Tuohy  

    Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.

    • Thanks 2
    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Featured Comments

    Imyourhuckleberry

    Seems like Guerin believes he has a team that can compete right now and he doesn't want to let anything upset the chemistry they've built.

    Should be an entertaining season ahead. Hopefully the team exceeds 100 points again, but goes into the playoffs healthy this time around.

    • Like 3
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Secord Sucks
    Quote

    Below is a video of Connor Dewar’s first game with the Minnesota Wild. At the very beginning, Foligno looks like a proud Mama Moose. 

    I saw that exact same look last night when Foligno fed the puck to Rossi and Rossi scored. Proud Mama Moose. 

    Fun article. 👍👍

    • Like 7
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    vonlonster67

    We all have to admit our man crush on Moose, he embodies all that is hockey and the State of Hockey for us, pride, guts, integrity, glory, compassion. I'm sure the gals could elaborate further in other words I'll leave to them.

    These are the hard things to separate from your heart when you talk long term contracts and to set the stage for everyone overall as a team for success to a Cup. Maybe we answered our own questions with that thought. I have NEVER questioned the man that Moose is and I was drawn to him years ago after Koivu was near his end and I bought his jersey with pride.  The good ones all eventually come to an end and its the separation from the end that hits us fans the hardest when it's all done and just another player and memory we will reminisce....remember..."the Superman punch"..... 

    Moose is the man he is today and you don't have to look too far to see his family as a huge part of his success and I'm not talking hockey. If you know anything about Moose you know that his Mom was responsible for several impactful things he brings to this story and team. The matriarch of the Foligno family was taken from us too soon, but lives on through "Mama Moose" today and that brings a smile to my face seeing that tender part of him and the pecks to his teammates that have significance, maybe his heritage of the Italian Moose Mafia.

    Please take some time to visit his mother's foundation and read the story behind the man and maybe give a few dollars to the cause.  (http://www.janisfolignofoundation.com/)

    I may not have agreed with the contract term and cost, but I know you cant put a dollar amount on what Moose brings to this team and this is a solum reminder when we pause and take a breath that it isn't always about the money. Agree or Disagree with his contract, I will always cherish Moose in his love of the game, his teammates and the gift he has given Wild fans over his tenor.

    Edited by vonlonster67
    • Like 4
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Protec

    Yeah, not just another NHL journeyman.

    The Wild are poised to have a good year. 

    Anybody know if having Spurgeon out early can help the Wild bank some cap room? Just a thought. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    vonlonster67
    3 minutes ago, Protec said:

    Yeah, not just another NHL journeyman.

    The Wild are poised to have a good year. 

    Anybody know if having Spurgeon out early can help the Wild bank some cap room? Just a thought. 

    Not unless he goes on IR, but maybe MrCapwatchu (MrCheatachu) could fill us in :classic_biggrin:.

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    vonlonster67
    4 hours ago, Secord Sucks said:

    I saw that exact same look last night when Foligno fed the puck to Rossi and Rossi scored. Proud Mama Moose. 

    Fun article. 👍👍

    The great aspect of that whole play/score transpiring was Rossi reacting to the pass and slamming it home, "not thinking" or sending wide/over the net, as in the past.

    Again, last night he played relaxed, gliding around the ice, using his speed and quickness, looking for an opportunity to place himself in position for his teammates or looking to pass to them for a set up.

    Now, he has always been a good distributer, but it is looking more natural, reactionary, and he is continuing to get involved in the corners and along the boards to disrupt the puck, separate it or lift a stick with ease/strength, all while being completely composed.

    That relationship to his play will bring him success and is the difference from what we saw him do here with the big club. He'd go to IA and it would be automatic and he's transitioned it to his play here. I'm excited for him as it has really been an uphill battle for him and he's finally being rewarded for all the hard work and sacrifices. No one is going to give you anything in the NHL.

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    M_Nels
    17 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

    The great aspect of that whole play/score transpiring was Rossi reacting to the pass and slamming it home, "not thinking" or sending wide/over the net, as in the past.

    Again, last night he played relaxed, gliding around the ice, using his speed and quickness, looking for an opportunity to place himself in position for his teammates or looking to pass to them for a set up.

    Now, he has always been a good distributer, but it is looking more natural, reactionary, and he is continuing to get involved in the corners and along the boards to disrupt the puck, separate it or lift a stick with ease/strength, all while being completely composed.

    That relationship to his play will bring him success and is the difference from what we saw him do here with the big club. He'd go to IA and it would be automatic and he's transitioned it to his play here. I'm excited for him as it has really been an uphill battle for him and he's finally being rewarded for all the hard work and sacrifices. No one is going to give you anything in the NHL.

    That was a "goal scorers goal" as they say. Didn't dust it off, didn't overthink just used his skill to time that one perfect with precision placement. It does seem like he is definitely playing more free and using his skill instead of overthinking the play and ultimately ending up behind it. His play along the boards has been great, can see the strength and stick skills he has. That whole sequence of the Maroon goal from the stick lift, steal, between the legs pass was a thing of beauty. If he continues playing like this I think he makes a huge jump this year in the regular season.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×

×
×
  • Create New...