About the Author
Award-Winning Journalist
But That's Only Half of It
Award-Winning Journalist
I'm Kevin Allenspach, and I've lived my entire life in Minnesota and worked in journalism for more than 30 years, the majority as a sportswriter for the St. Cloud Times. My longtime ambition has been to relate the story for which I had a ringside seat while serving a college internship -- and put it in perspective with what life inevitably does to youthful dreams played out against reality.
The Tale to Tell
But That's Only Half of It
Award-Winning Journalist
During the 1990-91 National Hockey League season, I was a public relations intern with the Minnesota North Stars. In months, they went from near extinction and irrelevance to the Stanley Cup Finals. No team in North American major pro sports history ever had a worse regular-season winning percentage and yet played for a championship -- only to lose. Less than two years later, they were gone.
But That's Only Half of It
But That's Only Half of It
But That's Only Half of It
In Mirage of Destiny, you'll re-live the craziest true story imaginable. But equally important is what happened ever after for the coaches, players, team personnel and media who also were there. In the spirit of The Boys of Summer, catch up with everyone from Mike Modano and Bob Gainey to the lowliest intern. And find out what it means to have come close to the Cup, only to have it slip away.
The next chapter: Editor at St. Cloud LIVE
The perfect challenge at this stage of my career
On Sept. 24, 2025, I began a new role as editor at St. Cloud LIVE, a digital and print news operation that is part of the Forum Communications network. I'm honored to have been chosen for this role and to be responsible for inspiring, nurturing and developing our reporting staff to produce the best content possible that is integral to the St. Cloud metro area and its surrounding community. We provide breaking news coverage, features and sports stories to our audience with depth of perspective that separate us from other media. We give context and detail so our readers feel connected, informed and have a sense of ownership about what's important in and to the people of Central Minnesota. Staff includes a variety of full-time, part-time and freelance writers and photographers. I leverage my 30-plus years of journalism experience to contribute and strive to make sure what you read online and in our weekly print edition is accurate, fair and professional. Part of my job is to promote connections so people know they've been heard and have a voice. If you are interested in St. Cloud LIVE and would like to have a dialogue, contact me at kallenspach@stcloudlive.com. I'm happy to engage with groups or individuals to further our reach.