John Hynes, the new head coach of the Minnesota Wild, has a notable NHL career, and his wife, Sarah Mikla Hynes, is a significant part of it.
Born in September of 1970 in Hammond, Wisconsin, Sarah can often be seen cheering for Hynes from the stands during games, showing her steadfast support.
She graduated from St. Croix Central High School in 1991 and earned a bachelor’s degree in movement science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. She was a four-year letter winner in volleyball and was named the team captain and received the Senior Student-Athlete of Distinction recognition in her senior year. She was also awarded All-Big East in 1994.
After college, Sarah pursued a master’s degree in teaching health and physical education and served as an assistant coach for the volleyball team. She spent three years as an assistant coach in Division I, coaching both the Milwaukee Sting Volleyball Club and Oak Creek High School. She also worked as the director of the Wisconsin Badgers women’s volleyball team. Sarah and John first met in their university’s weight room, where their love story began. They have three daughters named Sophia, Julia, and Anna.
John Hynes had a coaching career in both the NHL and AHL. He was head coach for the New Jersey Devils from 2015 to 2019 and the Nashville Predators from 2020 to 2023 before being relieved of his duties on May 30.
Hynes has an impressive record as an NHL head coach, with 284 wins, 255 losses, and 63 overtime losses in a total of 602 games played. Prior to his NHL career, he was head coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate team of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2009 to 2015.
