Sam Graham spent last season with Dubuque in the USHL

If the Minnesota Wilderness hope to repeat or improve upon its offensive production from 2025-26, they may have found just the man to guide them to it.

Minnesota this week hired Sam Graham as its new head coach. Graham comes to the team after spending one season as an assistant coach with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. Prior to that, he was on the coaching staff for the Anchorage Wolverines of the NAHL over the 2023-24 and 24-25 seasons.

Last season, the Wilderness led the NAHL with 249 regular season goals (over 59 games) – which also set a new franchise record. With Dubuque, Graham oversaw the offense and power play, and it resulted in the Fighting Saints leading the USHL regular season in scoring with 271 goals (over 62 games) and power play efficiency at 27.8%.

With Anchorage, Graham led the defense and penalty kill, and it resulted in the 23-24 team advancing to the Robertson Cup semi-finals and the 24-25 team to the Midwest Division final. In particular, the 24-25 Wolverines finished with a 90% penalty kill rating that finished sixth in the NAHL and second in the Midwest Division. After spending his first season as an assistant coach, Anchorage promoted Graham to associate head coach in year 2.

Wilderness general manager Brandon Ferns said those numbers are among the reasons Graham is an ideal fit to lead his team.

“He’s had success with two elite organizations, and that has shaped him to be an impressive candidate, and he’ll be an impressive coach for us,” said Ferns.

Graham will succeed Zachary Stepan, who coached the Wilderness for two seasons, culminating in the team progressing to the Robertson Cup Finals for the second time in team history in 2025-26. Stepan stepped down to accept the head coaching position at Augsburg University.

“His [Graham’s] demeanor is, in a lot of ways, similar to coach Stepan,” said Ferns.

Ferns added that the 26-27 team will display similar qualities to the 25-26 squad and will be fun for fans to watch: “He wants to play a fast, skilled game and wants to be on the attack.”

Graham said he is excited for the opportunity to lead the Wilderness and acknowledges he wants to build a team that plays with speed and skill.

“We’ll play a USHL style that is creative and fast,” said Graham.

Wilderness owner Barry Bohman echoed Ferns sentiments that Graham is the right man for the job.

“The Wilderness program wants to give its players the best experience to grow, develop, and advance their hockey careers. Sam is the perfect fit to lead our team behind the bench,” said Bohman.

“We’re really proud for Sam to have earned the opportunity to be the next head coach of the Wilderness,” said Dubuque head coach Evan Dixon.

“His knowledge and experience at different levels of hockey paired with his strong ability to connect with players will serve him well in this new role. We will miss him, but we are excited to see him take on this next challenge. I’m personally grateful to have been part of his coaching journey and am confident he is leaving Dubuque a better coach and person,” added Dixon.

Graham also received an endorsement from the NHL level – Florida Panther assistant coach Jamie Kompon:

“He’s a young quality coach that continues to work and wants to get better. He shows that he cares about his players and works with them on and off the ice. The bond he creates with his players is a crucial piece as to why the teams he has coached have been successful.”

A native of Los Angeles, CA, Graham began his coaching career at the triple A level on the staff of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings for three seasons.

During his playing career, Graham was a forward and spent a year of junior hockey for Weyburn of the SJHL. in college, he skated two seasons in the NCAA with Wisconsin-Stevens Point before playing one campaign in the ACHA with California State – Long Beach.

The 38-year-old Graham will be among those evaluating players later this month when the Wilderness hold their main training camp. That camp will run July 16-19 at Cottage Grove Arena in Cottage Grove, MN.

Graham’s hiring makes him the ninth coach in the Wilderness’ NAHL franchise history.