It’s finally time for Minnesota professional frisbee to resume! This offseason was a significant one for the Strike, as they saw the departure of their head coaches Pat Niles and Carlos Lopez. While their departure is certainly sad and their legacy will remain with the team forever, it’s clear the organization saw this as an opportunity to build. This year the Strike find themselves with a new coaching staff and a refreshed roster that combines veteran playmakers with young talent. The goal is clear: a championship title.
Before that, however, the Strike have the opportunity to sharpen themselves in the regular season. Six games against six different opponents means the team will have a unique challenge each week, giving them a sample of their potential championship weekend competition and a chance to test themselves outside of practice. As we anticipate opening pull, let’s break down what each matchup will mean for the team in 2024.
Game 1 (Home): April 27th, Portland Rising
Everyone knows the importance of the first game. The fans are eager to watch after so much time away, and every team hopes that they can start the season on a win— especially when playing for the home crowd. After an undefeated regular season and so much time away, fans and players alike may be building expectations for this game. Following up a season like that sets up unique pressures that the team will be facing heading into game one. I had a chance to chat with the new head coach, Donald Wood, and get his perspective on the beginning of this first matchup.
“We're not intentionally looking back to 2023 and saying "let's keep X going" or "let's change Y", it's more about taking this incredible group of players and figuring out how to position them to play their best.”
After an off season of rebuilding, practicing, bonding, and fine tuning, the Strike are itching to showcase in 2024. Wood provided some insight into what the mindset and attitude are for the team right now.
“We're really just excited to play someone other than ourselves. WIth the turnover we've experienced both as a coaching staff and as a roster, we're looking to really dial in on our fundamentals and prove that our consistent level of play is high. We know we have the peak ability to make big plays, and it's going to be about applying consistent high pressure on defense and showing consistent poise and execution on offense.”
One downside of a shorter season is that wins matter much earlier in the season than in other sports (I’m looking at you, NFL). Because of this, the Strike will have to come out swinging, looking to jump start their season with a win. Favorably, it’s a home game which means we get to be there to support. Check out here to see where you can get your tickets!
Game 2 (Home): May 4th, Milwaukee Monarchs
The Minnesota/Wisconsin frivalry (that is friendship rivalry) extends deep in the ultimate world. At just about every level, from high school to professional, fans and players from Minnesota and Wisconsin have a special relationship. The games are more intense, the atmosphere is more electric, and the outcome is more meaningful. These games can create lifelong friends, or ultimate enemies. Screw a championship, the most important game of the year is against the Monarchs. Pride is on the line.
Late last season the Strike traveled for this matchup, coming away with a 20-14 win. Hosting this showdown on just game two can help set the tone and the trajectory for the rest of the season. In a way, this game can act as a springboard, giving the team momentum whether they won or lost the previous game. Securing a win this week may be the key to an eventual championship weekend appearance.
Game 3 (Away): May 19th, Raleigh Radiance
Because they’re traveling for the first time this season, I’ll have to watch this matchup on my phone. For me, that means dealing with poor streaming quality. For the team, it means an opportunity to test themselves away from home, and begin to establish their place in the league. Away games in general just put the team in an unfamiliar zone, which can be a major factor for individual players or teams as a whole. Game three will test the Strike’s ability to adapt not just to a different team and play style, but a different atmosphere entirely. That x factor can’t always be taught, which means game three gives the team a chance to be tested.
In order to overcome this, the Strike will have to prove they have the ability to adapt. Last season we boasted weekly how they showed this better than any other team in the league. Despite the new coaching staff and adjustments to the roster, I don’t have any doubts that this year the team yields the same ability. On our podcast, rising star Amelia Zdechlick noted how she was excited for this game in particular, reflecting the hungry attitude of the team to travel and take every win they can get. I’m sure this game will end up being one that gets the rest of the league to pay a little more attention.
Game 4 (Away): June 1st, Philadelphia Surge
Another away game, another night watching a YouTube livestream. By this point in the season, we can expect the Strike to have had the chance to work out the kinks and uncertainties in their game, and to be firing on all cylinders. A week four game signals the homestretch, and it could be the turning point in the season. With only two more games left, this week the record starts to matter a little more. Winning here could be an early indicator on whether or not the team will be getting another shot at championship weekend. Reviewing the 2023 season, I am reminded of how the Strike handle high pressure situations. Each player executes with confidence and poise, knowing that the stakes of the game can’t become bigger than how you play it. I’m expecting this week to be another win, and another way for the team to ramp up for championship weekend.
Game 5 (Away): June 2nd, New York Gridlock
Last year ended in typical Minnesota sport team fashion: an unceremonious early exit from the playoffs. But not this year! Having a rematch against Gridlock allows the Strike to prove to themselves and the league that the previous outcome was a fluke.
When I asked Donnie Wood about this game, he had this to say.
“For New York, there's not too much we can plan for until we see them take the field this season. We'll be keeping an eye on New York when games start but we have a lot of games between now and then. Every team in this league has the talent to make you regret not preparing for them so we're taking the season game-by-game and ensuring that we're as prepared as we can be for each matchup.”
Like I’ve said, predicting games this far out can be difficult. But a late season win against an unfamiliar opponent on enemy turf is an enticing prospect. With the Gridlock returning just four players from last year’s roster, the Strike will have to forget last season’s game and come into this game with fresh eyes. Five games into the season gives the coaches and players time to watch film and develop tactics to go up against New York. Plus, I just like seeing teams from New York lose.
Game 6 (Home): June 8th, Indianapolis Red
Arguably more important than the first game of the season is the last. While the opener can set the trajectory, the final game determines if you’re going to land or crash. With a shorter season, the stakes rise with each game. By the time the regular season finale comes around, it could end up being the difference maker in whether or not the Strike make the playoffs. It’s difficult to speculate this far out, but it’s not an exaggeration to say that this game could make or break the season. Even with that impending potential, I’m certain that the Strike will be approaching this game with the same determination and goals as game one. Similar to the New York game, the Strike will have had time to study Indy and prepare. With a more refined system, the team will be looking to take the regular season final win, which— if all goes to plan— will cement the Strike as the 1 seed. Ending the season with a home win is invaluable to the team and fans alike. We’ll certainly be there cheering them on to another shot at the title, and we hope you will be too.
With the season just around the corner, the Strike are hungrier than ever to take the field and face their opponents. A long offseason saw the team making adjustments and tuning their game, getting ready to fight their way to championship weekend. Six games is all that stands in the way of another shot at the title, and each game is an opportunity to strengthen the team.
As a fan, I’m immeasurably excited to watch them week after week to see how they handle each match up. To follow along with all the action, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter and following us on our socials. As always, Kachow.
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