(WAUSAU, WI) – Wausau will play a home and home series this weekend with West Bend, which will mark the final two regular season games between the teams this season. The Clones have yet to win a matchup with the Power who are 36-3-1-1 on the season and have been outscored 30-11 in the six games. Wausau enters the weekend 24-16-1-0 (49 points) and tied with Rochester for 2nd place in the division with just six games remaining in the regular season. If Wausau can upset West Bend this weekend it would be a huge boost to the battle for home ice advantage in the 1st round of the playoffs. This weekend puck drops at 7:10pm on Friday from Marathon Park and Saturday at 7:30pm on NAHLTV from Kettle Moraine Ice Center.
What to Watch For
Forward Eiji Hofmann has made an outstanding jump from year one to year two in a Cyclone uniform. Last season he tallied 31 points and already has surpassed that with 46 points. His three game winning goals is tied with Jackson Schroeder for the team lead, and his six power play goals is also tied for the team lead with Elijah Von Gunten. The three points he contributed Friday tied his season high. He previously achieved it on December 7th at St. Louis and during the road opener September 19 at Tomah.
Between the Pipes
Wausau is projected to split time between Brady Faille and Tanner Bonjernoor in net this weekend. Faille has a 2.51 GAA in 20 games. Bonjernoor has a 3.42 GAA in 17 games with a .901 save percentage. In four games this season versus West Bend Bonjernoor he has a 3.75 GAA, but his last two games against them have been at a 3.00 GAA.
Up Next
Next weekend Wausau will take on Rochester at Marathon Park in what will likely decide home ice advantage in the 1st round of the NA3HL playoffs. Friday, February 27th is Family Night presented by Festival Foods as fans will save up to 20% on tickets. Saturday, February 28th the first 500 fans will receive a Celly Doctor Bobblehead presented by Aspirus Health. Doors open 6:30pm Friday and 6:10 pm on Saturday. Puck drops at 7:10pm both nights. Stay connected during the season by following the Cyclones @wausaucyclones on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and online at wausaucyclones.com. Subscribe to the Cyclones podcast “Inside Cyclones Hockey”, available on your favorite podcast network.
