The regular season is over and the Wind Chill and their fans are now turning their attention to the postseason. Before they can host the AlleyCats in the Central Division Championship game, the Chill have a few weeks off to reflect, train and prepare. For just the third time in club history, the Minnesota Wind Chill won 10 games during the regular season, and each game provided the team with plenty of opportunities to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and find ways to improve.
And improve they did.
This team certainly looks better than they did at the start of the season, where they gave up four straight breaks to open up 2023 (even though they did the same thing in their penultimate game this year). Through every win and both losses, the Wind Chill found ways to improve, refine their approach, and establish themselves as true contenders within the league.
Let’s take a look back to help the team get ready to move forward.
Game 1: Wind Chill @ AlleyCats
Recap:
Giving up four straight breaks to start a season isn’t the tone you necessarily want to set. Slowly chipping away at the deficit, the Wind Chill worked hard to change the narrative and start their season off on the right foot against a divisional opponent who they knew would be fierce. With a new look to their starting 20, the Wind Chill used every single person in pivotal ways throughout the game, including Marco Dregni, Colin Berry, Jason Tschida, Tanner Barcus, and Quinn Snider, who provided a strong backbone and foundation for the team to tame the AlleyCats and start the season with a win, 23-21.
Lessons:
It’s been talked about but it bears repeating here: no one was totally sure how a reconfigured Wind Chill team would fare at the start of the season. It turns out, this team was resilient from the get-go, introducing some new talent to the league and letting returning players make a name for themselves in new ways. A few underrated players really stepped up, notably Colin Berry and Marco Dregni on offense. They set the tone that this season would require a marathon approach, not a sprint.
Game 2: Wind Chill vs. Thunderbirds
Recap:
In 2022, the Wind Chill scored one Callahan. In the home opener against the Thunderbirds, they scored two. While this feat alone wasn’t what gave the Wind Chill such a dominant win, it really brought the energy and showed opposing teams (and fans) that this defense is still pretty good, and they have some guys who can pull a disc. B-Von showed up to Sea Foam that day with the intention of doing B-Von things, including scoring four goals. However, what really stood out was the performance of Bert Bergmeier, who racked up 3 assists, 2 goals, and 3 blocks (including a Callahan of his own). This was only the beginning of the Ice Bergs. The Wind Chill spanked the Thunderbirds, 26-12.
Lessons:
Minnesota has some pretty good pullers. This guy named Sam Berglund is probably someone we should watch, and Bert is also making a name for himself. As usual, Minnesota’s defense is really good, and the O-line ended up with what would be the season-best 68% conversion percentage.
Game 3: Wind Chill @ Mechanix
Recap:
This was game 1 of a double-header weekend road trip. Minnesota knew they were going to be tested, and their starting lineup was almost non-existent. They were missing the talents of Abe Coffin, Quinn Snider, Will Brandt, Paul Krenik, Dylan DeClerck, and others. Roster depth was crucial, and players like Tristan Van de Moortele and Jordan Taylor quickly became the playmakers and leaders on the field. It was surprising to see the Mechanix look as good as they did, especially compared to recent seasons. Despite some missing parts and new players coming into the fray, the Chill were able to take their second road win, 25-17.
Lessons:
This was one of their first big tests of the roster depth and some younger players stepping up. The Wind Chill looked to players who have had a lot of play time, but not necessarily in leadership roles, and they showed up big time. Of course, they weren’t with a completely rookie-filled lineup, but this was certainly a roster filled with unfamiliar players and roles for many, and it was relieving to see how each person played their part.
Game 4: Wind Chill @ Union
Recap:
Would this game have turned out differently if it weren’t for the game against the Mechanix the day before? Maybe, maybe not. With just about the same young roster taking the trip to Chicago, the Wind Chill showed signs of fatigue against a different, yet still strong, Union team. The Chill struggled to complete their passes and find receivers deep. They were capped at just 12 goals, their season low, and the Union took one in front of their home crowd, 12-16.
Lessons:
Experience comes in many forms. Endurance on the road, conserving energy across two competitive games, adjusting the offensive approach to combat a tough defense. Whether it was due to lack of experience with the given roster, or just an unfortunate combination of the second game of a double header road trip against a historically tough opponent, Minnesota could not pull through. Their completion percentage was relatively low and they needed to find ways to break the Union’s defense and play small ball when your huck game isn’t firing.
Game 5: Wind Chill vs. Union
Recap:
Less than a week after they saw the Union in Chicago, Minnesota welcomed their rivals to Sea Foam Stadium for a rematch. This was a huge bounce back game, and Minnesota wanted revenge. TVDM picked up right where he left off with 4 assists, 2 goals and 76/76 throws. He helped lead the team, who improved in just about every way, making cleaner throws, better cuts and playing as a cohesive unit again. The Wind Chill didn’t get an easy win by any means, but they still found themselves in the right column, 20-18.
Lessons:
The Union/Wind Chill rivalry is always a fun one, and no win is ever guaranteed. The team found a way to bounce back and regain their momentum and standing in the division. Players who saw the Union in the previous week were able to build on their experience and lead the team, while some returning players brought fresh legs and a rejuvenated energy. The team had to continue to limit turnovers, make calculated throws, and use everyone on the field to make the win possible.
Game 6: Wind Chill vs. Radicals
Recap:
The Radicals always seemed to play better than expected this season, and they really made Minnesota work when they visited Sea Foam Stadium. The Wind Chill struggled to convert break opportunities, and their defense couldn’t quite figure out how to slow down Madison’s O-line. It was clear that both teams struggled in the wind, with a combined 48 turnovers exchanging the disc between the two teams throughout the night. Especially late in the game, Madison threatened to steal a win in Minnesota, but after an unfortunate self-pass by Kai DeLorenzo, the Chill gained possession of the disc, scored, and ended up with a dramatic 18-17 win.
Lessons:
Take advantage of opponents’ mistakes. There were plenty of them with the windy conditions and missed throws by both teams. However, it is equally important to limit your own errors and find ways to work the disc slowly. Don’t sleep on Madison, especially if their long game is working. Find ways to force handler pressure and limit big cuts downfield. Long points are going to happen, so endurance and mental fortitude is essential.
Game 7: Wind Chill @ Radicals
Recap:
With just a week of rest before seeing the Radicals again, the Wind Chill wanted to clear the air in case there was hope that the Radicals could actually beat Minnesota, especially in Madison. While the game started out relatively close, Minnesota took the second quarter in their own hands and limited the Radicals to just two goals. When they got the disc on defense, they scored almost every time, and they finished the game in front of a silent Breese Stevens crowd.
Lessons:
Suppress multiple breaks by opponents. Get fresh legs out when you get broken and don’t leave any openings for opponents to work their way back. Use your defense to your advantage. When they have the disc, good things happen. Don’t be surprised when teams start strong; the first quarter typically takes some time to get warmed up but if you play small ball and reset, you’ll be fine.
Game 8: Wind Chill @ Summit
Recap:
The Wind Chill traveled to Colorado for the first time ever to face an unfamiliar Summit team. Abe Coffin rejoined the team for the first time since May 20 (Pittsburgh), a much-welcomed addition. Unfortunately, it didn’t really help. From the get-go, the Chill looked lost. Their long game wasn’t working, struggling to find receivers deep, while their short game was stifled by a pesky Summit defense. Colorado took advantage of miscues and dropped throws, and even though they had a decent amount of turnovers themselves, they found ways to get the disc back and beat Minnesota in a commanding fashion, 25-15.
Lessons:
There is some work to do before Championship Weekend. Whether it was due to an unfamiliar environment, a new style of play, lack of footage, elevation, or anything else, the Chill did not look like themselves. If they want to be true contenders in August against unfamiliar teams, they’ll need to adjust on the fly and let go of what isn’t working. In this case, that was the long game. Of course, this is easier said than done, but taking games quarter-by-quarter, adjusting strategies, and getting fresh legs out on the field is essential. Unfortunately, it was not Abe Coffin’s best game by any means, but it was a team loss. As long as they win and lose as a team, as a single unit, they will be able to work through even the toughest moments of the postseason.
Game 9: Wind Chill @ Radicals
Recap:
Minnesota needed a win after facing the Summit, and it wasn’t easy to find one in Madison the week after. They struggled to find their legs in the first half, but that didn’t stop them from bouncing back in the 3rd quarter. Even though the Wind Chill didn’t get a lot of deep looks and ended up turning the disc over frequently, they were able to find a way to get back in the 3rd quarter and finished the game ahead, just enough to mark the W,15-13.
Lessons:
In short: slow down, make the easy passes. Sometimes small ball is the way to go, as was seen in Colorado as well. The Wind Chill have extremely talented huckers and cutters, but nailing down completions and working through zone defense opens up new opportunities. Don’t let opponents pin you to a single strategy. Instead, adapt and bounce back (just as the Chill did in the second half). The game isn’t over until it’s over.
Game 10: Wind Chill vs. AlleyCats
Recap:
Fighting for sole possession of first place in the Central Division, the Wind Chill were hungry to face the AlleyCats at home. This was one of the most anticipated games of the Chill’s season, and the AlleyCats looked strong and ready to go before the game started. However, as soon as the opening pull went up, the Wind Chill quickly dispelled any hope the Cats had coming to Minnesota. They had a playoff berth to clinch and they weren’t going to let anyone get in their way. While Indy made a small comeback toward the end, it was likely more a result of miscommunication, turnovers, and tired legs rather than a skill concern or an unexpected Cat resurgence. Minnesota extinguished the AlleyCats at home in what turned out to be a Division Championship preview, 22-17.
Lessons:
You’re that guy. Especially at home, familiarity is on your side, and regardless of what the media may say or how a lineup looks on paper, come game time all that matters is how you play. Have fun and play to your strengths. Continue to focus on completion percentage and playing clean ultimate, not giving any openings for your opponent to try and sneak in. Even in the wind, limiting turnovers is essential, while acting on opponents’ turns will give you some leeway later on. This is your home turf and you haven’t lost to the AlleyCats in recent memory and you aren’t going to start now.
Game 11: Wind Chill vs. Union
Recap:
Once again, the Union/Wind Chill games are always so, so good. They’re instant classics every time. But when the Chicago Union visited Minnesota for the last time in 2023, they did not look like their normal selves. The game started off eerily similar to the first game of the season against the AlleyCats, where the Union came out with four quick break points. But the Wind Chill didn’t wait until the fourth quarter to win the game. As soon as the second quarter started, the Union could not quite piece together a cohesive gameplan, while the Wind Chill only got stronger. By the end of the game, the Chill’s defense offered one of their best games of the season with their highest break percentage (71%) all year. On the other hand, the offense had one of their worst games of the season, struggling to get the disc into the end zone, but thanks to a strong D-line, they had some flexibility to work with, and they stifled the Union in a way that they haven’t been able to do in recent seasons, winning 22-13.
Lessons:
Defense is what this team is known for and what they excel at. That much was clear against the Union. If the Wind Chill lean into that aspect of their game, they can make even some of their toughest opponents look silly going forward. While the offense certainly needs to clean up their game a bit, the Chill can nail down a strong starting D-line and give reprieve to their O-line. Continue to pressure offenses with sideline traps, and find ways to counter theirs, don’t let a tough start set you back, and lean into what you do best.
Game 12: Wind Chill vs. Mechanix
Recap:
Despite the Mechanix looking like a stronger team this season, when they visited Minnesota to close out the year, it felt like a vintage Wind Chill/Mechanix game. Josh Klane and Will Brandt were slinging discs around the field and the defense did their thing, too. It was surprising (and pleasant) to see Detroit make some really nice plays and complete strong holds, drawing out points and not letting Minnesota get anything for free, while also not giving up anything that was easy, either. Even still, the Wind Chill found their groove, put the disc into receivers’ hands deep, worked the disc around well, and closed out the season with a win over the Mechanix, 22-16.
Lessons:
Continue to use everyone on the field and find confidence in all 7 players. Everyone has something to offer, and each game might have a different player who is going to have the performance of their life. Don’t force any one strategy or approach, but leave the door open to see what is working that day and who is hot. Have fun! This is a game and the fans love watching, and we are looking forward to cheering you on through the playoff run.
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