There have been a lot of words over the years devoted to Matt Cooke. Earning a reputation as one of the league's dirtiest players, then managing to correct your course will do that.

After five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cooke now plays for the Minnesota Wild. A vocal group of Wild fans, understandably, were angry about the signing. Maybe they change their minds after reading this story by Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. Maybe not. But it's certainly one of the best-yet looks at Cooke and the circumstances surrounding his career-180 in 2011.

The impetus was a hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh that was, effectively, his last mulligan.

Russo provided an outtake from that story:

Funny anecdote that didn't make story: When Ray Shero reached TOR for Cooke/McDonagh hearing customs agent lit into Shero for employing Cooke â€” Michael Russo (@Russostrib) September 17, 2013

Funny anecdote that didn't make story: When Ray Shero reached TOR for Cooke/McDonagh hearing customs agent lit into Shero for employing Cooke

After Shero was lectured, Shero tracked down Cooke at baggage claim and kiddingly told him he was almost detained for that head shot :) â€” Michael Russo (@Russostrib) September 17, 2013

After Shero was lectured, Shero tracked down Cooke at baggage claim and kiddingly told him he was almost detained for that head shot :)

Canada: exceedingly polite, except for its customs agents.