Wausau Cyclones
| Wausau Cyclones | |
|---|---|
| City | Wausau, Wisconsin |
| League | North American 3 Hockey League |
| Division | Central |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Home arena | Marathon Park Arena |
| Colors | Black, gold and white |
| Owner(s) | Hockey Management Group, LLC. |
| General manager | Nathan Oystrick |
| Head coach | Nathan Oystrick |
| Franchise history | |
| 2010–2011 | Chicago Force |
| 2011–2012 | Chicago Hitmen |
| 2013–2016 | Chicago Jr. Bulldogs |
| 2016–2017 | Chicago Bulldogs |
| 2017–2021 | Wausau RiverWolves |
| 2021–present | Wausau Cyclones |
| Championships | |
| Division titles | 1: 2024 |
The Wausau Cyclones are a Tier III junior ice hockey team playing in the North American 3 Hockey League. The Cyclones play their home games at the Marathon Park Arena in Wausau, Wisconsin.
History
[edit]In 2016, the Chicago Bulldogs were purchased by Exceed Hockey Group, LLC.[1] At the time, the group also owned the Minnesota Magicians of the NAHL and, other than a new logo, no further changes were made. Less than a year later, the franchise was sold for a second time. The new owners, REB Enterprise, LLC, moved the team to Wausau, Wisconsin and changed the name to the 'Wausau RiverWolves'. The new owners also controlled the New Ulm Steel, a fellow NA3HL franchise.[2]
During their existence as the RiverWolves, the club was one of the least successful in the league. They missed the postseason in three of four seasons and finished last in their division twice. In 2021, the club was sold once more, this time to Hockey Management Group, LLC.[3] The team changed its name and colors but was able to play out of the same arena. After a solid 1st season under the new name, Nathan Oystrick was brought in as Head coach and General manager and helped the team win its first division title in 2024.
Namesake
[edit]The original Wausau Cyclones were founded in 1972 and also played out of the Marathon Park Arena. There's some uncertainty as to when the team ceased operations as sources have reported their final season as 1999 or the early 2000s.[4]
Season-by-season records
[edit]| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | Pts | GF | GA | Regular Season Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 47 | 21 | 24 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 122 | 159 | 4th of 6, Central Div. 19th of 34, NA3HL |
Lost Div. Semifinal series, 0–2 (Rochester Grizzlies) |
| 2022–23 | 47 | 13 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 30 | 127 | 198 | 5th of 6, Central Div. 28th of 34, NA3HL |
Did not qualify |
| 2023–24 | 47 | 36 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 73 | 211 | 114 | 1st of 6, Central Div. t–6th of 34, NA3HL |
Won Div. Semifinal series, 2–0 (Wisconsin Woodsmen) Lost Div. Finals series, 0–2 (West Bend Power) |
| 2024–25 | 47 | 33 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 69 | 194 | 121 | 2nd of 6, Central Div. 8th of 35, NA3HL |
Lost Div. Semifinal series, 0–2 (Rochester Grizzlies) |
References
[edit]- ^ "Chicago Bulldogs purchased by NAHL Magicians ownership". North American 3 Hockey League. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ "Chicago sold, relocated to Wausau, Wisconsin to become RiverWolves". North American 3 Hockey League. April 26, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ "New Ownership Announced". Wausau Cyclones. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ "RiverWolves changes hands, brings Cyclones name back to Wausau". Wausau Pilot & Review. April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2025.