Wausau Cyclones

Last updated
Wausau Cyclones
City Wausau, Wisconsin
League North American 3 Hockey League
DivisionCentral
Founded2010
Home arena Marathon Park Arena
ColorsBlack, gold and white
   
Owner(s)Hockey Management Group, LLC.
General managerNathan 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–presentWausau Cyclones
Championships
Division titles1: 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.

Contents

History

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

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

SeasonGPWLOTLSOLPtsGFGARegular Season FinishPlayoffs
2021–2247212411441221594th of 6, Central Div.
19th of 34, NA3HL
Lost Div. Semifinal series, 0–2 (Rochester Grizzlies)
2022–2347133040301271985th of 6, Central Div.
28th of 34, NA3HL
Did not qualify
2023–2447361001732111141st 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)
2024–2547331121691941212nd of 6, Central Div.
8th of 35, NA3HL
Lost Div. Semifinal series, 0–2 (Rochester Grizzlies)

References

  1. "Chicago Bulldogs purchased by NAHL Magicians ownership". North American 3 Hockey League. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  2. "Chicago sold, relocated to Wausau, Wisconsin to become RiverWolves". North American 3 Hockey League. April 26, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  3. "New Ownership Announced". Wausau Cyclones. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  4. "RiverWolves changes hands, brings Cyclones name back to Wausau". Wausau Pilot & Review. April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2025.