Wilderness reach out to local players

The Minnesota Wilderness North American Tier 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) team has added 11 players over the last few weeks to its roster for its first season under new ownership. The Wilderness made two selections in the NA3HL draft held April 24 and followed that with nine player tenders.

The first player added to the franchise was Cloquet-Esko-Carlton forward Ryan Jones. The 18-year-old Jones was the second-round, 49th overall selection. Jones played 23 games for the CEC Lumberjacks in his senior season, recording six goals and six assists.

Mark Denoyer of Hastings was the second pick.

Cooper Ellena of Cloquet received a tender, one of nine the Wilderness made, to join the draft picks at the main tryout camp, which will also include players seeking a spot on the NAHL team. That camp will be held July 14-18 in Cloquet.

The NA3HL Wilderness roster is also expected to include players who spent the 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Loons. The Loons franchise was rebranded as the Wilderness after being purchased by Wilderness owner Barry Bohman after the recent season concluded.

The Wilderness NA3HL squad is expected to begin play in September at a location in northeastern Minnesota that has yet to be announced.