In an exciting move for the Minnesota Wild, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin announced the recall of forward Ben Jones and defenseman Matt Kiersted from the AHL's Iowa Wild. Additionally, forward Rasmus Kumpulainen has been called up from the ECHL's Iowa Heartlanders.
Ben Jones, at 26, has been making waves with his physical play, ranking seventh on the team with 53 hits in just 20 games this season. His first NHL goal against the New York Islanders on January 10 was a memorable moment.
With the Iowa Wild, Jones has been a consistent contributor, tallying 16 points in 18 games, including two power-play goals. This Waterloo, Ontario native, a seventh-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, has shown his grit and skill across 54 NHL games, accumulating 50 shots on goal and 108 hits.
His AHL career has been equally impressive, with 213 points over 350 games, showcasing his ability to be a game-changer on the ice.
Matt Kiersted, 27, brings his own set of skills back to Minnesota, having recorded an assist in four games this season. His performance with Iowa includes seven points and 70 shots on goal in 33 games.
Hailing from Elk River, Minnesota, Kiersted led the AHL in plus-minus last season with the Charlotte Checkers, a testament to his defensive prowess. His efforts in the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he notched eight assists, were crucial in helping the Checkers reach the finals.
With 43 NHL games under his belt, Kiersted continues to be a reliable presence on defense.
Both players are poised to add depth and energy to the Wild's lineup, providing a mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm as the team looks to make a strong push in the NHL.
For fans eager to catch more action, Iowa Wild season tickets for 2026-27 are now available. Visit their website for more information and to secure your seats.