3View: Minnesota Loons

The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2021-22 season, with two teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 3View goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all the head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2021-22 season, including taking a look at their potential roster and their strengths as a team for the upcoming season. It will also take a look back on the 2020-21 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished. Best of all, 3View will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect.

Minnesota Loons

2020-21 Record: Did not play

2021 Playoffs: Did not play

Head Coach: Mike Muller

2021-22 Division: West

The 2021-22 season will mark the Minnesota Loons’ NA3HL debut, as they enter the highly competitive West Division. 

Led by Head Coach Mike Muller, the Loons will set their sights high. Starting from scratch in terms of building a roster and developing a team identity affords Muller and the Loons the chance to do things their way from the start. 

“We want to create a competitive environment around the team to help push and develop these players to reach their team and individual goals,” said Muller. “We have added a brand new weight room in our facility to help further improve our training capabilities, and I am looking forward to molding and shaping this new team for the upcoming season.”

It can be difficult to hit the ground running — both on and off the ice — as a new organization in Junior hockey, but Muller says he and his staff are dedicated to fostering a culture of development and constant improvement within the club.

Watch: Minnesota Loons season preview

“We will be giving these players the right sort of environment to earn their shot in the higher levels, it's up to them to put in all the hard work and dedication to move up a level. Of course, this will reflect well on our new ownership group and coaching staff along with our team,” he said. 

As much of the responsibility of establishing such an environment will fall on the players, Muller is counting on each member of the team to take ownership of the team’s success on the ice.

“I am expecting all of the players to lead both on and off the ice. We will find out who our on-ice leaders are going to be during our first full week of practice,” he said. 

Between the boards, expect the Loons to bring an up-tempo style of game to the West Division. 

“(We want to be) Fast, exciting, physical and hard-working,” said Muller. 

Through all of the excitement of an inaugural season, though, Muller and the Loons are keeping things in perspective. 

“We will be taking a ‘one game at a time’ approach, improving our team game as we evolve from the start of the season to the end of the season,” said Muller. 

Next up: New Jersey Titans