The Minnesota Wild are adding more over-the-air television exposure this season, with 10 regular season games set to air on KSTP-TV, 5 Eyewitness News and KSTC-TV, 45TV as part of Wild+.
The package gives fans a broader way to catch the team without relying only on traditional cable distribution. Minnesota Wild Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President Mitch Helgerson said, “We’re extremely excited to expand our over-the-air television schedule this season and provide more opportunities for fans to watch Wild hockey,” adding, “Our fans are among the most passionate in sports, and we’re thrilled to bring even more Wild+ games into homes across the region through over-the-air television.”
The broadcast lineup begins Saturday, Oct. 3, when the Wild host the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. on KSTC TV. Other KSTC TV games are set for Tuesday, Nov. 17 against the Nashville Predators at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 8 against the Edmonton Oilers at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 16 against the St. Louis Blues at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 16 against the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m.; and Wednesday, March 3 against the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m.
KSTP TV will carry Friday, Nov. 6 against the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 18 against the Anaheim Ducks at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30 against the Dallas Stars at 8 p.m.; and Friday, March 19 against the Calgary Flames at 7 p.m.
Robert Hubbard, President of Hubbard Television and General Manager of KSTP-TV and KSTC-TV, said, “Hubbard Broadcasting is excited to bring you more Minnesota Wild hockey games, free and over-the-air this season,” and added, “We live and operate in the State of Hockey and Hubbard Broadcasting could not be prouder to bring these games to our statewide audience!”
The Wild said the games will also be available on KSAX-TV in Alexandria, WDIO-TV in Duluth, KRWF-TV in Redwood Falls and KAAL-TV in Rochester. Gray Media will carry the Wild+ telecasts across additional stations in the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota markets in Mankato; Iowa markets in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Ottumwa and Sioux City; North Dakota markets in Minot-Bismarck and Fargo; South Dakota markets in Rapid City and Sioux Falls; and Wisconsin markets in La Crosse-Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison and Wausau.
Minnesota Wild telecasts on Wild+ will feature Anthony LaPanta on play-by-play, Ryan Carter as lead analyst, Kevin Gorg as rink-side reporter, and Katie Storm and Wes Walz as the primary hosts of the pre- and postgame shows. Alex Stalock and Lou Nanne will also be analysts for select games. The Wild said KSTC-TV televised the preseason game at Dallas on Sept. 23, and that the Wild+ games on KSTP-TV, 5 Eyewitness News and KSTC-TV, 45TV are produced by the team.
Last season, four Wild games were simulcast on KSTP-TV, 5 Eyewitness News and KSTC-TV, 45TV.
The team said the NHL is in discussion with additional cable and satellite providers about Wild+ distribution, and that more channel availability details will be shared as agreements are finalized. Fans were also told to contact their provider to make sure they can watch games on Wild+ this season.
In Other News...
Wild Now Face A Costly Blue Line Decision After Brock Faber Injury
Brock Fabers injury has put the Wild in a difficult spot on the blue line, one that could ripple beyond the next few games. Losing a key defenseman at this stage forces Minnesota to weigh short-term stability against longer-term planning, especially with the roster built to stay competitive while keeping enough flexibility for future moves.
One possible answer would come with a steep price, and the kind of deal being discussed would not be a simple patch. Minnesota has been linked to Detroits Dylan Larkin as part of a larger idea to address the defensive hole, but any move that aggressive would likely cost significant assets and could affect the clubs broader efforts to keep its core intact. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Foligno's Return Already Put One Wild Bet In Focus
Nick Folignos return to Minnesota already looked like the sort of move a team can feel immediately. After signing a one-year deal and talking about unfinished business from last springs playoff loss, he was right back in the mix for the season opener against Nashville, where the Wild leaned on their fourth line for energy, edge and penalty-killing work. Foligno, Michael McCarron and Marcus Foligno gave Minnesota the kind of heavy, physical shift-by-shift presence that can settle a team in early-season hockey.
It also helped that Foligno wasted no time making his presence felt on the scoreboard, giving the Wild an early jolt in the first period. For a player who came back looking for one more run with this group, it was the kind of start that reinforces why Minnesota wanted him back in the first place. The bigger question is how much that line can keep tilting games as the season unfolds, especially if the Wild need those minutes to matter in tighter matchups later on. [Read more 🡒]
Wild Opening Night Win Brought Hope And One Big Early Question
The Wild opened the season with a win over Nashville, and there was plenty to like beyond the final result. Jesper Wallstedt settled things down with key saves early, helping Minnesota survive a tense stretch on the penalty kill, while Quinn Hughes made his presence felt with a goal and a power-play assist. Bobby Brink also chipped in with an assist and looked comfortable in a role that gave the lineup a little more life.
For a team that wanted a strong start, the opener offered both the lift of a victory and a reminder of how thin the margins can be this time of year. Wallstedts calm early work gave Minnesota a chance to build into the game, and the skill pieces around him began to show why there is real optimism here. Even so, the most important early question for the Wild may be whether this kind of poise can hold when the game starts tilting the other way. [Read more 🡒]