A new batch of talent is on its way to the Minnesota Wilderness. The NAHL team will be among the 32 league squads participating in the NAHL draft, set for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. CST.
The Wilderness is expected to bring in 13 players in the draft, beginning with the 25th pick in the first round.
The draft is open to hockey players 20 years of age and under who have not already been tendered on other NAHL teams. The players drafted by the Wilderness will join six other newcomers it tendered since last Fall. The tendered players are listed below:
| Name | Position | DOB | Hometown | 2022-23 team |
| Jacob Barth | F | 8/26/2005 | Marshfield, WI | Madison Capitols 18U AAA |
| Sam Evert | F | 2005 | Milwaukee, WI | Milwaukee Jr. Admirals 18U AAA |
| Joe Gronholz | F | 6/6/2003 | Alexandria, MN | Alexandria Blizzard (NA3HL) |
| Wes Schwarzmiller | F | 6/23/2005 | Bridgeville, PA | Esmark Stars 18U AAA/S. Fayette HS |
| Joseph Stauber | D | 4/29/2005 | Duluth, MN | Northstar Christian Academy 18U AAA |
| Tai Ushio | F | 12/5/2005 | Hokkaido, JPN | Little Caesars 18U AAA/Japan U18 & U20 |
While the draft runs for 20 rounds, teams typically do not select all the way to round 20. Teams stop selecting once their total number of drafted players, tenders and veterans returning from the previous season add up to 30.
Fans can watch the draft live at hockeytv.com.
Being drafted does not guarantee a roster spot for next season. It does mean that draftees can attend the team’s main tryout camp set for July at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet.
The NAHL’s 2023-24 season is expected to begin in September.
For more information on the NAHL draft, visit NAHL Draft FAQ.