Photo by Meghan White

Written By: Ryan Baker, Journalist

It’s time for the Minnesota Wind Chill to get back on track this Saturday when the Detroit Mechanix come to town.

After suffering back-to-back losses, the Wind Chill line up against Detroit for the second time this season in the final week of the regular season. Minnesota returns to Sea Foam Stadium after hosting the New York Empire at TCO Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings’ practice facility.

“It's not the back-to-back losses that irk us, it's that in both games we feel we weren't our best on the field. Not to take anything away from Chicago and New York, credit to both teams for coming into what I think is one of the tougher road environments in the league and outplaying us. We've been talking a lot this week about our preparation,” said Longchamp.

It’s been a tough past two games for the Wind Chill after falling to the Empire and Union. While they want to get back into the win column, the focus isn’t necessarily on that. They are looking to refine skills and systems to get prepped for their home playoff game.

“A win would be nice for sure. That's not what's on our mind though. We're thinking about how we can be mentally sharp and physically prepared to work hard on Saturday. I think this is a very similar situation to Pittsburgh earlier this year. All the credit to PIT for executing their plan that game and coming ready to play, but we certainly felt our mental game wasn't on that day. Just because you had success last time doesn't mean you will find that again. It's easy to say we know that, but much harder to actually convince our mind and our body of it, which is what needs to happen for us to have a good game,” said assistant coach Max Longchamp.

The last time these two met up was in Detroit and it was a bloodbath. The Wind Chill went up 8-2 in the first quarter and coasted to a 31-15 victory. Despite the lopsided affair, Detroit did notch their first win in years this season, and they will be looking for a second one against a rather slumping and not fully rostered Minnesota team.

“Playing well on Saturday isn't just about showing up to the game and hoping it's our day. We make it our day with the mentality we bring to practice on Tuesday, our engagement in our film calls, throwing and conditioning outside of practice, our commitment to sleep and nutrition, and other small things that add up not only throughout the week but throughout the whole season. There aren't any shortcuts here. If we want to play better at the game we have to be preparing in the right ways, mentally and physically,” said Longchamp.

There are a good number of players that will be sitting out for the regular season finale. Those names include Ian McCosky, Dylan DeClerck, Michael Jordan, Thomas Shope, Quinn Snider, and Matthew Rehder. Alongside those names, there are three guys who will be a game time decision in Will Brandt, Bryan Vohnoutka, and Kristian Johnson.

One name that is returning to the field after being injured most of the season is Sam Berglund. Berglund has been dealing with a right wrist injury that he suffered in the season opener, then played with a couple weeks later in the Chicago matchup, making matters worse. However, he has been diligent in getting back to playing in front of Wind Chill fans.

“I'm not cleared to throw with my right hand yet, so I'll be throwing lefty this game! I'm still protecting my right wrist so that it can be good to go for our playoff game,” said Berglund. “I've been practicing with the team during my injury, so it shouldn't be too big of a transition. Honestly, my time on the sidelines has helped immensely with understanding our systems. I feel ready to be slotted into the system.”

Berglund put up two assists in both performances this season. In 2023, he put up 30 assists, seven goals, and eight blocks in eleven games. The team chemistry is still very much there for Berglund and company, and they want to show that against the 1-9 Mechanix.

“As a team we're focusing on our mental game, staying levelheaded and consistent through all four quarters, and sticking to our systems. This is our last opportunity to tune up before playoffs, so we want to be dialed in. Personally, this is an opportunity to play in front of the home crowd for the first time this year, which I'm honored and excited about. We have the best fans in the league, and it means a lot to get to play in front of them. On the field I have the same goal as the rest of the team: play the system, bring the energy all four quarters, and stay healthy and prepared for the division championship,” said Berglund.

In history, the Wind Chill have Detroit’s number, being 24-1 against them in franchise history. Minnesota will look to keep their number, finish the season 9-3, and walk into playoffs with a bit of momentum.

To get tickets to this Saturday night’s game at 6 p.m. CTD, click here!

To watch the regular season finale between Detroit and Minnesota, click here!