NAHL Alumnus, Ben Dexheimer, Signs NHL Contract with the Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild announced today that former Austin Bruins defenseman Ben Dexheimer has signed a one-year entry-level NHL contract beginning in the 2026-27 season. The former Bruin will join the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Dexheimer just wrapped up his senior season with the University of Wisconsin. The former Bruin was named as the captain this past season for the Badgers. The 23-year-old not only served as a leader in the locker room, but also on the ice in scoring. Dexheimer played a crucial role for the Badgers from the blue line. The Minnesota native leads all defenseman on Wisconsin with seven tallies and 28 points on the season. In addition, Dexheimer’s presence was noticeable night after night because he led the Badgers in time on ice with 21:21. His work in his final season of college hockey was recognized by the Big 10, and the former Bruin was named to the All-Big 10 First Team.

His play-making and scoring ways were influential for the Badgers this season, especially in the NCAA Regional Final. The defenseman from the State of Hockey found twine in overtime fashion for Wisconsin, helping to punch his team’s ticket to their first Frozen Four appearance since 2010. His work on the ice was recognized during the playoffs, and the Minnesota native was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.

In his four seasons at Wisconsin, Dexheimer registered 13 goals and 71 assists for the Badgers. He scored 84 career points in 149 games wearing the Wisconsin sweater.

Prior to skating collegiately, Dexheimer stayed in the State of Hockey and spent the 2020-21 season with the Austin Bruins. He skated in 46 career games with the Central Division team, tallying six goals and 17 assists in his rookie season. His offensive prowess from the blue line had him recognized with two postseason awards. He was named to the NAHL Central’s All-Rookie Team and the NAHL All-Rookie Second Team.