THE BASICS
Location: Cloquet, Minnesota
Division: Central
All-time Record: 175-90-34
Robertson Cups: 1 (2014-15)
2017-18 Record: 33-21-6 (Lost Division Semi-Finals to 3-1 vs. Austin)
Record vs. Johnstown: 0-1-0
Head Coach: David Boitz (1st Season)
Key Returners:
- F| Gino Lucia (57 GP, 18 G, 25 A, 43 PTS)
- F| Luke Dow (55 GP, 10 G, 32 A, 42 PTS)
- F| Isaac Kobienia (60 GP, 15 G, 19 A, 34 PTS)
Fun Facts:
Prior to joining the NAHL in 2013-14, the Minnesota Wilderness called the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) home. The Wilderness became the first American team to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup, a trophy awarded to the Central Canadian Junior A champion (champions of the SIJHL, Ontario Junior Hockey League and Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League compete in a round robin tournament.)
THE SCOOP ON THE WILDERNESS
In the first game of the 2018 NAHL Showcase, the Johnstown Tomahawks square off against the Minnesota Wilderness. This will be the second all-time meeting between these two clubs. Johnstown and Minnesota first met on Sept. 22, 2016 where the Tomahawks picked up the 3-0 victory.
Beginning his first season behind the bench, David Boitz returns several key players as they pursue a sixth straight post season appearance. Last season, the Wilderness were right in the thick of things in a competitive Central Division. Their record of 33-21-6 was good enough for a third-place finish.
Minnesota faced off against the Austin Bruins and fell three games to one, ending their Robertson Cup hopes in the division semi-finals.
This will be the Wilderness’ first game of the season. The rest of their Showcase schedule includes contests against Fairbanks, New Jersey and Lone Star.