With roster announcements coming out daily and practices starting up once more, it’s clear the 2024 season is upon us. This year the Wind Chill have one of the more difficult schedules in the league. Numerous games with out of division opponents — one of which is against the 2-season-undefeated New York Empire — will challenge the players at a level higher than they’ve seen in the past. As we look forward to the coming weeks, I find myself speculating on which players will stand out this season as the team hunts down another shot at championship weekend.
1. Sam Berglund
Being quite possibly the most impactful player of last season, Berglund will definitely be given a little more attention this year. With seven goals, eight blocks, and 30 assists, he surprised both teams and fans with his high-impact performances. Despite being new to the UFA, Berglund’s experience in the club scene helped him quickly step up to the high-level intensity of professional games, and his connections with other players such as Brandon Matis helped him slot seamlessly into the Wind Chill roster.
Early on, Berglund made his role on the team clear, and his impact was felt immediately. His glorious pulls helped set the team up for defensive success, and his handling skills lead the line to countless break points. Expect other teams to challenge him, testing to see if he was a one year deal. Unfortunately for them, this IceBerg is just getting warmed up.
2. Jimmy Kittlesen
I’m a big fan of this guy. After a few quiet seasons, signing Kittlesen early on shows the team is committed to getting him on the field. As a veteran of the Wind Chill organization, the leadership and sense of calm Kittlesen brings is unquantifiable. Having someone who knows the game and knows the system can help bring talent together, and talent is certainly something the D line has in spades.
Outside of being a stoic force, he is a highlight playmaker. Using his size and stride to his advantage, Kittlesen is able to defend deep as well as the rest. This ability will prove crucial in big games against opponents such as the New York Empire, who are often dominant in the deep space. When opponents huck deep, expect to see Jimmy the Janitor cleaning them up.
3. Bryan Vohnoutka
As Minnesota’s highest all-time goal scorer and point player, B-Von has become the cornerstone of the team. For the past 10+ years, his leadership on the field has helped the team execute and perform week after week. Over the years, B-Von has seen himself play many roles on the field. He’s been a long range cutter, backup handler, deep zone on defense, and everything in between.
Wherever he is on the field, his athleticism and play making ability guide the frisbee to the end zone like a heat-seeking missile. He is arguably the most clutch player in the league with an unmatched ability to get open and receive any disc in the tightest of jams. Highlight throws, catches, blocks, and celebrations. For at least the next two years, B-Von will make sure the whole league feels the chill.
4. Paul Krenik
Despite how much we talk about him, it feels like we still downplay PK’s impact on the field. In 2023 we saw him score eight goals and get seven blocks in just four games played. He’s a fresh and clever defender who often catches the offense by surprise. He’s able to go up on jump balls with veterans like Cameron Brock and come down with it. In big games and against mountains of opponents, Paul Krenik shines. We’ll look for him to bring an energy and X-factor to every point. Coming off of the success of last year, which included a national title, we expect to see this young star continuing to be a thorn in the side of opponents.
5. Matt Rehder
Interdivisional signings are still rare in the young UFA, with only a handful happening each season. Coming from the west division Seattle Cascades, Rehder is looking to take the opportunity to make a big impact in the central division this year. In fact, Rehder was looking forward to doing exactly that just a few years ago, when the team signed him in 2020, before COVID shut the season down. Now, he gets to show the Central Division exactly what they’ve been missing since.
He’s bringing with him a decorated record, including four years in the UFA, several years of club, highschool, and college, and even a placement on Team USA in 2020. With head coach Ben Feldman disclosing to us his confidence in Rehder, we expect to see a high impact player that you’ll definitely want to keep your eye on. Maybe we’ll have to get him on the podcast.
The 2024 UFA Season is Around the Corner
Selecting only five players to highlight was incredibly challenging, as the team is looking more refined and elite than ever. With the return of so many stand out players—most notable among them being returning Wind Chill legend Greg Cousins—along with a promising set of young talent, the 2024 Wind Chill squad has set itself on track to be the best one in franchise history.
With so many high caliber athletes and playmakers, the 2024 UFA season will be one to watch week after week. To stay up to date on games, announcements, giveaways and more, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our podcast. Stay Chilly.
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