It’s October, and October means hockey.

With the temperature outdoors creeping up toward 90 degrees – the opposite of stereotypical hockey weather – Iowa Wild practices are underway, in preparation for the team's season opener on Oct. 11.

There will be a lot of new faces in the Casey’s Center this winter, with new head coach Greg Cronin taking over a roster that features several unknown names in the Des Moines area.

Cronin and company will look to improve on last year’s disappointing season, which ended with a 27-37-6-2 overall record and without the Wild qualifying for the playoffs.

Here are three takeaways from Cronin’s availability during the Iowa Wild’s media day on Oct. 1. Looking for a free mini puzzle? Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.

Cronin returns to his developmental roo

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