After only eight games behind the bench as assistant coach with the Minnesota Wilderness, Ben Johnson today was promoted.
Johnson is now the new head coach and general manager of the NA3HL Wilderness. Johnson, a Duluth native, takes over for Zach Stepan who today was named the new head coach of the Wilderness’ NAHL franchise.
This season is Johnson’s first for coaching junior hockey. The 45-year-old Johnson previously spent six seasons leading teams at the high school level, three with Ely High School and three with Rock Ridge High School. Johnson was Rock Ridge’s head coach through the 2023-24 season where the team finished with a 20-6-1 record.
The Wilderness will announce Johnson’s assistant coach at a later date.
Johnson’s first game as Wilderness head coach will be Oct. 18 when the team hosts Alexandria. Puck drop at the Hippodrome is set for 7:05 p.m.