Head Coach: Zach Stepan
Stepan spent the last year as an assistant coach in the United States Hockey League for Des Moines Buccaneers. Prior spending three seasons as an assistant coach in the North American Hockey League, with the Aberdeen Wings beginning in 2021, and for the Chippewa Steel in 2018-19. Stepan has two years experience as head coach with the New Ulm Steel in the NA3HL.
Stepan played high school hockey at Shattuck St. Mary’s, where he scored 129 points in 104 games and won back-to-back National Championships his junior and senior years. He played one season in the USHL for Waterloo, posting 78 points in 56 games during the 2012-13 season. The Hastings, Minnesota native played his college hockey in his home state at Minnesota State-Mankato. After college, Stepan played one season in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears before he retired and began his coaching career.
In international play, Stepan was the leading scorer for the gold-medal winning USA U17 team at the 2010 Five Nations Tournament in Switzerland. Stepan was also a member of the USA U19 team that won gold in the World Junior A Championship in 2012, and a member of the U20 USA World Junior team in 2013. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 4th round, 112th overall, in the 2012 draft.
Assistant Head Coach: Evan Alexius
California born and raised in Folsom, CA, Evan Alexius brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the sport of hockey to the Wilderness organization.
Evan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Sacramento, which laid the foundation for his coaching career. He began coaching in 2015 and has since coached a wide range of age groups and skill levels, from 8U to 18U AAA. His coaching career includes: 2015-2018: Vacaville Jets (A/B Hockey Club) – Head Coach & Assistant Coach 2015-2018: Golden State Elite (Tier II club in CA) – Head Coach & Assistant Coach 2019-2020: San Jose Jr Sharks – 18AAA Head Coach 2021-2024: HoneyBaked Hockey Club – Head Coach (18AAA, 16AAA, 15AAA)
In addition to his coaching roles, Evan has served as a scout for the Fargo Force (2022-2024) and has contributed to the development of other coaches as a USA Hockey Coaching Education Coach Developer since 2021. He also played a significant role as the Michigan Team Leader for the 2023 USA Hockey U17 National Festival Team.
Reflecting on his new role, Evan shared, “I’m really excited and feel blessed to represent the Wilderness organization, working alongside and under Head Coach St. Clair, and ultimately helping our players and team succeed on and off the ice.” Evan’s diverse experiences and commitment to the sport make him a valuable asset to the Wilderness coaching staff.
Director of Scouting Midwest & West Coast: Sean Fish
Sean Fish is back for his 8th season with the Minnesota Wilderness as the team’s Head Scout. Sean has been coaching and scouting for the past 11 seasons following his collegiate career at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Sean is currently the head coach for Orono High School and continues to be a staple of the Minnesota Wilderness organization in finding future Wilderness players.
Director of Player Personnel: Kevin Smalley
Kevin is back for his 5th season with the Minnesota Wilderness as Director of Player Personnel. Kevin’s contributions to the organization span wide as he is involved in coaching our U16 and U18 Fall development teams as well as being a scout for the organization. Kevin has been a huge part in finding some of the top talent in Northern Minnesota and bringing them into the Wilderness family. Kevin played his college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Director of Scouting East Coast: Ray Hyde
Scout: Brett Heigel
Scout: Joe Allen
Scout: Jay Ekman
Scout: Tanner Grina
Scout: Jonah Williams
ATC: Jarret Byrnes