NA Now: Minnesota Wilderness
The NA Now video series features an in-depth look into all NAHL teams as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. One team will be highlighted every day, leading up to the start of the regular season on September 12, 2025. Each interview features each team’s head coach, as they dive into detail on the expectations and outlooks for this upcoming season.
Minnesota Wilderness
Head Coach: Zach Stepan (2nd season)
2024-25 Regular Season Record: 30-25-4-0 – 64 points (5th in Midwest Division)
2024-25 Leading Scorer: Ferry Netusil (29-23–52)
2025-26 Division: Midwest Division
Location: Cloquet, Minnesota
Formation Year: 2013 (13th season)
Robertson Cup Championship: One (2015)
Zach Stepan shares how valuable the team’s proximity to Division I programs makes it a hotbed for recruiting.
“We're just so close to so many schools that we are fortunate enough that coaches from those programs can come for a day where they don't have to make this big recruiting trip to come watch our guys play. And I think that's a big piece of it.”
Stepan will continue to lead the charge for the Minnesota Wilderness this upcoming season. With his experience playing junior hockey and Division I hockey at a high level, he brings experience and knowledge to the next wave of athletes. With Stepan's dedication to development and player experience, he looks forward to how the Wilderness will compete in the Midwest Division this upcoming season.
Next up: Minot Minotauros
