Photo by Josiah Phifer

Written By: Ryan Baker, Journalist

The Minnesota Wind Chill 2026 regular season is coming to an end, but not before they host the Madison Radicals this Sunday afternoon.

Minnesota will field a different active 20 this weekend, with Josh Klane, Thomas Shope, Kyle Suelflow, Bryan Vohnoutka, Justin Burnett, Tristan Van de Moortele, and Greg Cousins all out. That creates opportunities for Head Coach Ben Feldman to shuffle roles.

Players like Gabe Jagt and Brandon Matis will suit up, but we could see a significant increase in playing time for Peter Mans, Ellis Newhouse, Owen Suelflow, and Micah Davis. There are still two roster spots to be finalized, depending on whether Jordan Taylor and Leo Sovell-Fernandez can shake off their questionable designations.

Photo by Carter Schafer

“It's really just a mental shift for me,” said Suelflow, who played well against Boston but had two costly turnovers. “Instead of trying to hit the big throw and holding the disc for the best shot, I need to hit the easy throw early and keep the disc moving. We have amazing throwers whom I need to get the disc to.”

After a heartbreaking loss last week to the Glory, according to Feldman, this week is about getting back on track. Taking a win and some momentum into the playoffs will be key for a team that won’t play again until the first week of August.

“I think there are some specific things and scenarios we struggled with against Boston that we may see again on Sunday against Madison, so we want to work through those,” Feldman said.

Photo by Josiah Phifer

The first edition of the Border Battle in 2026 was one of the cleanest games either team has played in a long time. Minnesota failed to hold on just three of its chances and had just eight turnovers. Conversely, Madison failed to hold on six of their opportunities and had 12 turnovers. It was an all-around clean game in still conditions, but Minnesota is hoping to flip that script this weekend.

“We struggled to get blocks against Madison in our last matchup, and it's another opportunity to figure out how to frustrate their offense and force some turnovers,” Feldman said.  

The defense will have to settle in quickly without Burnett, their top block-getter, and Noah Hanson said they're eager for a second chance to shut down the Radical offense.

Photo by Josiah Phifer

“It’ll be a good challenge to go against the Madison offense,” Hanson said. “They run a different style of offense than we are used to seeing, so it’ll be a good chance to play against some new stimuli. This is our last chance to lock in as a team before our season is on the line. The execution and decision-making floor needs to continue to be raised. This is a big stepping stone in that process.”

Watch for the lineup Madison puts out on Sunday, because if they win on Friday, this Border Battle has no implications.

“We're going to have to value the disc when we get our opportunities,” Feldman said. “Regardless of what happens Friday, it’s important reps, and our fans are going to be out there cheering us on. They want to see us put one in the win column heading into the postseason.”

The fans are going to be rambunctious in this one. Minnesota has eclipsed 2,000 fans in every home game this season, even with torrential downpours, powerful winds, and exhausting heat. The spectators show up, and with Madison fans traveling incredibly well, Sea Foam Stadium is going to be rocking all game long.

Photo by Carter Schafer

“It is imperative to our playoff success that our fans help us control the energy,” Hanson said. “We have the best fan base in the league. I know the fans are going to show up and bring the energy for us. As moments get bigger, it is important for us to be able to lean on them as the eighth person on the field.”

A win gives Minnesota an 11-1 record, which would be their best regular-season finish in franchise history, and gives them a confidence boost heading into the playoffs.

To buy tickets for the last regular-season game at Sea Foam Stadium on Sunday at 5 p.m., go here!

To watch the second edition of the 2026 Border Battle, go here!