Photo by Trent Erickson
Written By: Ryan Baker, Journalist
After splitting games this past weekend, the Minnesota Wind Chill finished the 2025 season with a 9-3 record.
The first game happened on Friday night when Minnesota traveled back to Salt Lake, the location where they won the championship last year. However, this time it was against the Shred and the outcome was a bit different, losing 18-22.
It was a scary start for the Wind Chill, going down 1-6 in the first quarter. A couple missed hucks and too cute of throws resulted in Salt Lake cashing in those break chances. The rain started to come down early, and an hour-long lightning delay halfway through the first quarter put the game on hold.
Coming out of the first quarter, Minnesota was down 3-8, and things seemed like they were going to get out of hand. However, a couple of Josh Klane hucks and run-through blocks put the Wind Chill back into the game.
Four breaks in the second quarter for Minnesota, including a buzzer-beater from Kyle Suelflow to Bryan Vohnoutka, cut the deficit to just one heading into halftime.
Photo by David Kocherhans
“We have an explosive team. In the UFA, teams go on runs. Early in the game, Salt Lake had the edge. On Friday, we showed that we have a group that’s tough to play against and we’re going to give opposing offenses struggles,” said head coach Ben Feldman.
Coming out of the break, the two powerhouses traded points up until two huck throwaways late in the third by Minnesota gave Salt Lake a three-point run in a matter of four minutes. The Wind Chill were able to grab another score before the end of the quarter, and were down three going into the final twelve minutes of play.
Salt Lake was able to keep Minnesota at arms-length the rest of the way. A near five-minute point to open up the fourth resulted in a Salt Lake break, and that ended up being the nail in the coffin. Despite the four-point loss, the Minnesota defense gave the best offense in the league major fits at times.
“I think it was a productive weekend for us. Despite the outcome Friday, I was happy with the pushback that we had following the early deficit in Salt Lake. It was all about improving this weekend. We got some really competitive, high-level reps against Salt Lake,” said Feldman.
Photo by David Kocherhans
We also saw two huge performances from Thomas Shope and Vohnoutka. Shope had four goals, his season-high on the year. Vohnoutka had two assists, six goals, and one block, continuing his monster season.
“Our coaches and offensive group put me in places where I was able to succeed. I was able to play to my strengths, which allowed me to contribute to team success,” said Shope.
“It’s nice to string together some good performances, but I still haven’t been perfect. I had several cuts, throws, and decisions I want back. That being said, each game is a full reset, so my focus is on preparing for Saturday,” said Vohnoutka.
Moving on to the second game of the doubleheader weekend, Minnesota closed out their regular season by hosting Detroit in a massacre. In front of another record-breaking crowd, the 1,586 fans got to see a scoring barrage in a 35-11 win.
Photo by Trent Erickson
With multiple of their cornerstones resting in this game, Minnesota needed their young guys to step up. That’s exactly what happened with the three UFA debuts from Zach Morton, Danny Hobday, and Eric Crosby Lehmann. Also, Peter Mans and Mickey Walsh were able to play in their fourth game of the year.
“I think the width of the field threw me off a bit. I knew it was significantly bigger than club, but guarding handlers and having to guard 30+ yard swings was pretty tough,” said Hobday.
“All of those guys have been working hard at practice, helping us be better. When we can create opportunities for them to step on the field, no matter the opponents, it’s pretty special. To have that happen in front of a record crowd is awesome,” said Feldman.
Walsh had four assists, two goals, and one block. Mans had four blocks himself with one assist and two goals on top of it. Morton and Crosby Lehmann both grabbed their first goals of their careers, while Hobday led the team in goals with four in his respective debut.
“It meant a lot! I’ve watched the Wind Chill for as long as I can remember, and I was super excited when I got the call saying I was playing in the Detroit game. Going into the game, my goal was to score my first goal, and to get four was super exciting,” said Hobday.
Photo by Meghan White
All of those guys played a huge role in a game that got out of hand very quickly. Minnesota put up a 12-3 first quarter and followed that up with an 8-0 second quarter. By the end of the third quarter, they were up 29-6.
“We get to see the development in practice throughout the year. So, it’s really not a huge surprise. We know how good they are. These guys are the future, and it’s always a blast to see them step onto the field and make plays. I’m excited for what’s to come,” said Vohnoutka. “The future is bright!”
Now, the Wind Chill will have their eyes set on this upcoming weekend’s playoff matchup against the Madison Radicals.
“The team is feeling great. We have been tested all year, and have shown that we have a lot of fight. Madison and Chicago are both great teams, but we feel like if we give our best game, we can beat anyone. We are excited to show out next weekend at Sea Foam,” said Shope.
