Minnesota Wilderness talk clinching program’s 8th postseason berth
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The Minnesota Wilderness split last weekend’s series visiting the Janesville Jets. They fell 6-1 Friday but claimed a ticket to the Robertson Cup Playoffs then earned a 3-0 shutout win Saturday.
This marks the eighth time in their 10 seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) the Cloquet based team will skate into the postseason, an exciting milestone for first year head coach Brett Skinner.
“Number one thing is we’re here to make players better but we’re also, within that, want to win hockey games,” Skinner said. “I think that is a big part of player development is having a commitment to trying to win. There’s been great leadership especially with the veterans that are coming back from last year’s team.”
Last season the Wilderness ended their season in round two of the NAHL playoffs.
The Wilderness clinched this 2022-2023 playoff berth after Anchorage fell to the Chippewa Steel Friday. They now sit 2nd in the Midwest Division, four points behind the first place Wisconsin Windigo. For the standings, Click Here.
Minnesota Wilderness Huddle at the bench before puck drop.
“When you’re coaching junior hockey I think that there’s a big push here to finish the season strong,” Skinner added. “It speaks to where we’re at clinching a playoff spot already with that commitment that the players have shown. Everyone is jockeying for where those final standings will be so there’s still important hockey to be played and most importantly you want to be playing your best as you go into the playoffs.”
The Wilderness have four regular season games remaining and begin the playoffs April 21. For their schedule, Click Here.