Both of the Minnesota Wilderness AAA teams have put together winning records thus far on the season, and it’s all been done away from where all the kids on the roster call home.
That will change this weekend.
The 16U and 18U teams have so far played all of their games at two different tournaments in Blaine, MN, and both have recorded 5-3 records. This weekend they will get a chance to show their stuff at Northwoods Credit Union Arena.
The 16Us will play host to the Thunder Bay Kings AAA, while the 18Us will entertain the Twin Cities-based Select Development Program (SDP). Each team will play two games. The Wilderness 16Us and Thunder Bay will skate at 1 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, while the 18Us and SDP will face off at 3 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
These games will act as a tune up for the next round of games for the Wilderness AAAs. Both teams compete in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) Fall League, and will complete their seasons Oct. 15-17, when the league holds its playoffs in Blaine. The NAPHL Fall League is made up of youth teams sponsored by North American Hockey League squads. The Wilderness 16U and 18U rosters are primarily made up of players from northeastern Minnesota getting some extra playing time before their high school seasons begin in November.
All AAA program games this weekend are free and open to the public.