A Coach With Deep Regional Roots
Stu Bickel has been named the new head coach of the Iowa Wild, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, bringing a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen to the bench.
Over five seasons as an AHL assistant, Bickel helped each of his teams reach the Calder Cup Playoffs, showcasing his ability to contribute to winning environments at the minor‑league level.
His professional playing career spanned ten years, including 76 NHL appearances with the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, a USHL championship with Sioux Falls in 2007, and 54 points with 919 penalty minutes in 310 AHL games.
Bickel’s connection to the Upper Midwest is personal as well as professional; he played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota and maintains strong ties to both Minnesota and Iowa, making him a natural fit for the organization.
The appointment follows a thorough search and reflects the Wild’s desire for a coach who understands the AHL landscape while being capable of developing talent that can eventually contribute to the parent club’s roster.