Minnesota Wilderness’ new head coach Zach Stepan made his home debut on Friday as they took on the Chippewa Steel after falling 4-3 in the series opener. The Wilderness would not be able to bounce back once again, falling 3-1 in game two.

The Steel struck first, Gavin Middendorf netting their first goal in period 1, Hunter Whisenand brings in another in the second period, giving the Steel a 2-0 lead. Then the Wilderness’ Nate Murray closes the gap with a goal of his own in period 2, but the Steel enact their revenge with a netter by Anthony Preskar.

The Wilderness would face 28 shots on goal with 25 saves, and the Steel 19 shots on goal with 18 saves.

The teams will conclude their series on Saturday, October 26th at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet. The puck will drop at 7:15PM.

Click here to see the Wilderness’ full season schedule.