When Friends Become Enemies: Devils-Wild Game Preview

Parise, who was born in Minneapolis, was drafted 17^th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft by the Devils after playing hockey for the famed hockey prep school Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. The University of North Dakota would then be graced with his presence when he chose to play for Dean Blais' Fighting Sioux over the defending NCAA National Champion University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Parise was a two-time Hobey Baker award candidate while playing in Grand Forks. After turning pro following his sophomore season at UND, Parise would help Team USA claim the gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships and capture the Tournament's Most Valuable Player Award.

Parise is determined to make the Wild a winner, but knows how awkward playing the Devils will be. Hopefully there has been enough time for the hard feelings to die down a bit. "Had we played that game on Nov. 11 last year in New Jersey, that would've been a little different. A few months earlier you're playing with those guys in the Cup Finals and all of a sudden you're playing against them. But a little over a year has gone by, so I think that will make it a little easier," Parise said. What makes it all the more easier is getting a big win at home.