Minnesota Wilderness promote pair of coaches, including Northland’s Ben Johnson
Two coaches in the Minnesota Wilderness organization are moving up, including a Northland staple.
The new bench boss of the Wilderness will be Zack Stepan. Stepan had been leading the Wilderness’ North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) team based in Eveleth as head coach and general manager. This is the first season for them, and through eight games, Stepan has led the team to a 4-4 record.
With Stepan taking over the Wilderness, Ben Johnson has been appointed the NA3HL teams head coach, a promotion from his former title of assistant coach. Johnson is known well in the Northland from his time and success at Rock Ridge and Ely.
Johnson now steps in as the head coach and general manager of the team in just his first year coaching junior hockey.