What year was the premier professional ice hockey league in the world established?
2016–17 Minnesota Wild season: The 2016–17 Minnesota Wild season was the 17th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 25, 1997. National Hockey League:  Headquartered in New York City, the NHL is considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
1997