ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Jake Middleton picked up a nice new set of fake teeth to replace the missing front few that he lost a couple of seasons ago. The timing is perfect, as fans and teammates alike are likely to see more of his pearly whites no longer hidden behind his signature moustache.
"I just got these for the first time in almost two years that I've had teeth," Middleton said. "I'm just trying to get used to wearing them. So it's just the perfect time because I look very young and childish without a moustache and no teeth
"It's cold though. It's been a few years since I've gone without (a moustache)."
Middleton and fellow defenseman Jon Merrill each had their distinct muzzies shaved to kick off the 2022 Movember campaign to raise awareness in men's health areas include mental wellness and suicide prevention, as well as prostate and testicular cancers. True to competitive form, the entire Wild team is vying for the Moustache Cup, presented to the top fundraising NHL squad in the month-long fundraising challenge.
"It's always fun to do something like this for a great cause," said Merrill. "It was looking a little spotty and greasy there for a bit anyway."
Merrill, who had a less lush mustache compared to Middleton, said he had to reassure his four kids that it was still daddy, just with no more facial hair."
"It's been at least five years. I don't think my kids have seen me without one before," said Merrill. "So it was a little bit shocking for them this morning.
"I let them know just to wait a few weeks here and we'll be back in strong muzzy shape."
"My wife likes that she can feel my lip when I kiss her now and not give her a little rash from the moustache," Middleton said with a laugh. "It's going to take me awhile to get one back as full as that one was, but it should only take a few weeks to get some growth in."
The Wild are accepting donations for their Movember team campaign for the remainder of November. You can
join the Minnesota Wild fundraising Network and Team Page
with a $10 donation minimum. If the Wild are the top fundraising team and you are the top individual fundraiser in Minnesota Wild fundraising Network, you will have the opportunity to present the Wild with the 2022 Moustache Cup.
"I've been able to grow a moustache since I was like 11 or 12 -- a little Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite thing -- and haven't had it shaved in probably three or four years, but this cause is worth it," said Middleton.
Movember will culminate at the
Minnesota Wild-Arizona Coyotes game on Sunday, November 27
. In an attempt to unofficially break the world record of the largest gathering of people with mustaches in one place, all fans with a legitimate mustache and who make a recommended $20 donation to Movember will be invited onto the ice for a post-game photo with Middleton and Merrill. The Minnesota Wild set the world record in November 2010 when 1,131 men with mustaches were photographed on the ice at Xcel Energy Center. Fans can also participate by purchasing a
"Lip Sweater Weather" ticket pack
. A portion of each ticket pack purchased will benefit Movember. All fans with a mustache who purchase the ticket pack will be invited to participate in the post-game photo.
