The Minnesota Wild are bringing hockey back to the airwaves in a big way. For the first time since the 2010-11 season, fans across the State of Hockey will be able to catch Wild games on over-the-air television. Four games this season will be simulcast on KSTP-TV (5 Eyewitness News), KSTC-TV (45TV), and FanDuel Sports Network North - a move that significantly expands access for fans who may not have cable or streaming subscriptions.
This isn’t just a broadcast deal - it’s a reconnection with the grassroots of Minnesota hockey culture. “We’re extremely excited to offer fans all around the State of Hockey the opportunity to watch four Minnesota Wild games on KSTP-TV and KSTC-TV this season,” said Mitch Helgerson, Chief Revenue Officer for the Wild. “We’re thrilled to expand our reach and deliver must-watch hockey to more Minnesotans than ever before.”
Hubbard Broadcasting, the locally owned media group behind both KSTP and KSTC, is equally fired up. “We live and operate in the State of Hockey,” said Robert Hubbard, President of Hubbard Television and GM of both stations. “Hubbard Broadcasting could not be prouder to bring these games to our statewide audience.”
The broadcasts will feature the full FanDuel Sports Network production - including the popular Wild Live pregame and postgame shows. Longtime play-by-play voice Anthony LaPanta will be on the call, joined by analyst Ryan Carter. Kevin Gorg will be reporting from rinkside, while Katie Storm anchors Wild Live, with contributions from Audra Martin and former Wild forward Wes Walz breaking things down before and after the action.
And this isn’t just a Twin Cities affair. The simulcasts will air across Minnesota and beyond, including on KSAX-TV in Alexandria, WDIO-TV in Duluth, KRWF-TV in Redwood Falls, and KAAL-TV in Rochester. Gray Media is stepping in to carry the games across a wide swath of the Upper Midwest - reaching fans in Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Ottumwa, Sioux City), North Dakota (Minot-Bismarck, Fargo), South Dakota (Rapid City, Sioux Falls), and Wisconsin (La Crosse-Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, Wausau).
It’s a big win for accessibility and a nod to the Wild’s deep connection with hockey fans across the region. In an era where regional sports networks and streaming platforms can sometimes make it harder to find your team, this move simplifies things - just turn on the TV and watch the Wild.
For a franchise that prides itself on being the heartbeat of hockey in Minnesota, this over-the-air return is more than a broadcast decision. It’s a statement. The State of Hockey just got a little more connected.