Photo by Catherine Schwartz

Written By: Ryan Baker, Journalist

One would think that after winning a championship, the team would bask in the glory of reaching the pinnacle of their efforts. However, it was quite the opposite for the 2024 UFA Champions, the Minnesota Wind Chill. 

General Manager and Head Coach Ben Feldman hosted a busy offseason for the organization. There was an addition to ownership, big names were signed in free agency, and even a documentary was released. 

After winning the championship, Feldman and company wanted to get their unexpected championship run documented in various ways. Towards the end of 2024, they released trading cards featuring each player, coach, and big moments from across the season and playoffs. 

Each pack featured seven cards, including one rare gold metallic card. 750 packs were ordered and sold out within two weeks. Those cards will not be reproduced, but Feldman hinted at a future release at the Wind Chill’s media day. 

“We’re hoping to do more of that in the future. It took a lot of work to design those and get them published, but the plan is to try to do it again,” said Feldman. 

Another keepsake is the Second Wind documentary that just got released. The 27-minute video captures the highs and lows of Minnesota’s journey from their buzzer-beating loss in their hometown against the Salt Lake Shred in 2023 to them hoisting the trophy in Salt Lake City this past August. 

The documentary was made by Evan West and gives the chance for everyone to relive the first championship in Wind Chill history. 

On the internal organizational side of things, there were two giant leaps the Wind Chill made within their community. Steve Sabes was introduced as a new ownership partner along with the launch of the Minnesota Wind Chill Foundation. 

Sabes hadn’t heard of the Wind Chill until after their title run. He overheard about the recent championship on KFAN radio, and then decided to purchase a hoodie from the team store. Needing to exchange sizes after receiving it, Feldman helped arrange a swap, and Steve did a bit more research on Ben and the team following the email exchange. A coffee meet up was scheduled after discovering some common local roots between the two. One thing led to another, and Sabes decided he wanted to be a part of the growing organization. 

The newly launched foundation has already  provided $15,000 worth of grants for youth ultimate teams across the Twin Cities. Wind Chill players are helping introduce the game to schools across the metro area. Youth teams will be fundraising at Wind Chill games this season.

Veteran Dylan DeClerck played a big role in helping the foundation get launched, along with players such as James Pollard, Noah Hanson, and Will Brandt participating in some of the foundation's upcoming activities and appearances. This is all in an attempt to grow the sport of ultimate frisbee and is just the tip of the iceberg for the future of the foundation. 

“It's been awesome to have him [Sabes] on board. I'm excited to get him to his first Wind Chill game. Omar and I are thankful to have Steve involved, and are hoping to push the organization in a whole new direction,” said Feldman. “The foundation work wouldn't be happening without Steve. So he's been a huge part of organizing that with Dylan [DeClerck].”

Moving on to the players and roster changes, Minnesota signed two of the biggest names in the UFA, with James Pollard coming over after six years in Philadelphia and James Burnett signing after a three-year stint with Atlanta. 

Pollard stands with a huge frame at 6’5’’ and has been a menace for the last three years. In the last three years, Pollard has put up 98 goals, 78 assists, and 36 blocks. He brings a fast pace and breakaway speed after a turn. 

“It’s been great. I moved here a couple of weeks ago, so it’s just getting into more and more practice and getting that chemistry together. It's just different because I've been on a team for six years, and now I'm the new one. I'm trying to find my role in what I do and what the team does,” said Pollard. 

“James is huge. He’s gotten me a couple of times at practice. I’m excited to see them continue to fit into the team and see what they can do for us,” said Will Brandt. 

Burnett has burst onto the scene of late with Atlanta after proving to be one of the biggest downfield threats after a turn in the league. Over 17 games in the last two years, Burnett has produced 30 blocks, 19 goals, and 15 assists.  

“It’s been nice and smooth. James and I coach the USA Academy together, so us coming here at the same time is pretty cool,” said Burnett. 

"It's been awesome. It sucks to play against in practice, but it's been awesome to know that when we end up taking the field, the other teams are going to have a tough time,” said Captain Bryan Vohnoutka. 

Other notable signings that will potentially hit the field in 2025 are Becker Mathie, Peter Mans, Kyle Suelflow, Charlie Schuweiler, and Max Hanscom.

On the other side of that pen, veteran and cornerstone to the franchise Jimmy Kittlesen retired. Kittlesen has bled Wind Chill blue for nine years, dating back to 2015 when he put up 32 blocks in his rookie year. 

“He's a dad now, which is quite exciting! He has made such a big contribution to the franchise over the years and still holds the franchise blocks lead. I’m not sure for how much longer… because Dylan is right on his heels,” said Feldman. 

Finally, with the development of the UFA on the rise, a huge part of the team getting its name out there and exposing the sport to new eyes is partnerships. The Wind Chill has no shortage of those with the companies below bringing their name to be a part of the Minnesota Wind Chill organization. 

“Partnerships are such a big part of the sustenance of our team and program. The financial support received helps us invest more in marketing to continue to grow our fan base. They also ensure we can provide the best accommodations and support to our guys as we travel during the season and play on the road,” said Feldman. 

• TRIA

• FRSecure

• Active Insurance Solutions 

• Auto-Owners Insurance 

• Brent Johnson Realty Guy

• Wanta Thome PLC

• Minnesota Lottery 

• Stinson Services

• Surly Brewing Company

• Combat Candy 

• First Class Mortgage

• Ungerman Restoration 

• Chill Boys 

• Gotta Go Gotta Throw 

• Greatest Bag 

• VKTRY

• GenerationNOW Entertainment 

Stay tuned for the 2025 season preview for your reigning UFA champs, the Minnesota Wind Chill.