Photo by Daniel Cohen
Written By: Ryan Baker, Journalist
There’s nothing like going on a road trip for two games and coming back with the division title. That’s exactly what the Minnesota Wind Chill were able to do this past weekend with wins on June 28 and 29.
“It’s pretty exciting to take care of business this weekend and lock things up this early in the regular season. Playing in games like Friday night, in Chicago, that come down to the wire is what’s going to make us better as a team when it matters the most, come the end of the season and the playoffs. I’m really proud of how the team battled, and also proud of how we left no doubt on Saturday to finish the job in Detroit,” said head coach Ben Feldman.
The first of the two game set was a rematch with the Chicago Union, in a game that went down to the wire. Minnesota was able to rely on their stellar defense to take home a one-point win, 17-16. This game turned out to be an offensive possessions game. Meaning, whoever took care of the disc better, was going to win.
The game looked to be in Minnesota’s favor right out of the gate, as they put up the game’s first three points, and ended the first quarter with such lead. However, Chicago did the exact same thing as they came out right away in the second quarter with three straight goals of their own. It was all tied up at halftime, and that trend continued as the third quarter came to a close.
With both D-lines having under a 30% break percentage, along with the just 16 combined blocks, it was going to come down to the big plays. Minnesota was able to edge out Chicago at the end of the game. With just over three minutes left in the game, Paul Krenik sent a hammer to Anthony Jirele on the goal line. Jirele followed that up with a hammer of his own, across the endzone, to Noah Hanson. That score put the Wind Chill up 17-15.
After a score from the Union, the scene was set. Two minutes left to go in the game, one-point difference, and the disc in Minnesota’s hands. A turn in the endzone at the one-minute mark left Chicago controlling their own destiny. The Wind Chill forced the Union to eat up the clock in their own endzone, but they began to move the disc as time was winding down.
With six seconds left, the Union’s Jack Shanahan had the disc about 20 yards out from the endzone. However, as Shanahan released his backhand to gain a few extra yards before the final throw, Hanson undercut the Union receiver, left his feet for the full extension, and managed to get his fingertips on the disc for the block. Hanson’s third block of the game, effectively ended the game.
“When it comes to the blocks, it may seem like a boring answer but it all comes down to visualization and preparation. Same thing with the layout block, trusting the positioning and movements that I constantly work on to get me in the right position to go make a play. I like to think that I am a player that steps up in the biggest moments, and with six seconds on the clock I just wanted that disc more than them, so I took it,” said Hanson.
Other impact players from the Chicago game included Gordon Larson and Bryan Vohnoutka, who both had four goals. Along with Will Brandt, who had four assists, 439 total yards, and no incompletions on 43 attempts.
With the win over the Union, Minnesota’s fate was laid in their own hands, as one more win on the season would give them the Central Division title. Things were set up perfectly for them to travel to Detroit to take on the Mechanix and take care of business. That’s exactly what happened as they walked out with a 31-15 win.
“Clinching the division this early feels amazing. It is a huge step towards our team's journey this year. It is a great feeling knowing that the work we have put in as a team up to this point is showing and we have separated ourselves from the rest of the Central Division. A great progress check, but the work is far from over,” said Hanson.
The Detroit game was a lot different than the previous night’s game. It got out of hand early, when the Wind Chill went up 8-2 in the first quarter alone. The second quarter was a high-flying one with 17 combined goals, but Minnesota’s lead never seized. An 8-3 third quarter, and 6-2 fourth, tied a pretty bow on a great weekend for the Central Division champs.
The Wind Chill managed 17 breaks on the Mechanix, a 25-7 difference in blocks, and had half as many turnovers as Detroit. 16 different players scored for Minnesota, with veteran Dylan DeClerk leading the pack with six of his own.
“A lot of my goals this weekend were a result of hustling downfield to finish the goal on a couple other teammates’ great deep throws and catches. The rest of the defensive line did all the hard work and I was lucky enough to be there for an easy finish,” said DeClerk.
Additionally, seven different players had a multi-block game in the rout. The shutdown defense was headlined by Matej Petrovic, who had six blocks.
“I was really impressed by the professionalism our D-line group showed, especially early on in that game. We came out with high energy and focus and were able to set the tone from the start. It can be difficult to show up to those Detroit games with that level of focus from the start, and in the past it has led to some games that were closer than they should've been. We have a group of ballers that love balling with each other so, for us, it was just another opportunity to ball,” said Hanson.
Minnesota now stands at 8-1 on the season with a ton of pressure alleviated. They have given themselves the opportunity to host a playoff game with three weeks left in the season. The Wind Chill fans will now be able to see their team at home until championship weekend, given that Minnesota advances that far.
“The team was really excited to lock up the first place spot in the division this early. We’ve been heavily focused on building a championship-level team, and I think this is one of the important objectives that we needed to secure on that path,” said DeClerk. “We’ve already achieved so much this season, but what’s even more exciting is that we have four more important home games at Sea Foam in front of our fans!”
The remaining games will be the third matchup with the Union, the New York Empire, a rematch with the Mechanix, and then whoever has to travel for the first round of the playoffs to Sea Foam Stadium.
