(Wausau, WI) – The Wausau Cyclones participated in the 2026 NA3HL Draft today as they build their roster for the 2026-27 season. Wausau selected forward Cooper Depuydt from Wausau West HS with their 1st round pick, 23rd overall. Depuydt is the third 1st Team All-State player from the state of Wisconsin that the Cyclones have acquired this offseason. Depuydt scored 41 goals and contributed 40 assists in 24 games during the 2025-26 season.
During the 3rd round Wausau made a trade with the Butte Irish to acquire picks 81 and 84 overall in exchange for goalie Brody Kunst. Wausau selected defenseman Nolan Bink from Escanaba HS with the 81st selection and then selected forward Luke Thick from Marysville HS with the 84th overall selection. Bink earned 1st Team All-State honors in Division 3 after putting up 12 goals and 29 assists in 26 games last season. Thick netted 16 goals and dished out 19 assists in 26 games last season. Thick earned 1st Team All-State honors in Division 3.
In the 4th round Wausau selected goalie Niklas Huson from Shakopee HS. Huson had a 1.43 GAA and .933 save percentage in 21 games last season. Below is a summary of the Cyclones 2026 draft selections with their 2025-26 season stats.
“We are extremely happy with how today’s draft went. We were able to add some potential talent and firepower to our lineup for next season with a mix of two forwards a defenseman, as well as a 6’8 goalie. All four are high-end players who we know could help us in Wausau on and off the ice,” stated Head Coach/GM of Hockey Operations Nathan Oystrick.
2026-27 Season Founders Club ticket plans are now available. Get all the best benefits of Cyclones hockey today with the Founders Club. Save 25% off on single game ticket prices and save 20% on your favorite Clones merchandise. Learn more and get yours now via wausaucyclones.com/foundersclub. Stay connected during the off-season by following the Cyclones @wausaucyclones on Facebook, X, Instagram and online at wausaucyclones.com. Subscribe to the Cyclones podcast “Inside Cyclones Hockey”, available on your favorite podcast network.
Round 1, 23rd Overall
Cooper Depuydt | Forward | Wausau West HS | Wausau, Wisconsin
2025-26 Season Stats: 41 goals and 40 assists in 24 games.
Round 3, 81st Overall
Nolan Bink | Defenseman | Escanaba HS | Escanaba, Michigan
2025-26 Season Stats: 12 goals and 19 assists in 26 games.
Round 3, 84th Overall
Luke Thick | Forward | Marysville HS | Marysville, Michigan
2025-26 Season Stats: 16 goals and 19 assists in 26 games.
Round 4, 137th Overall
Niklas Huson | Goalie | Shakopee HS | Shakopee, Minnesota
2025-26 Season Stats: 1.43 GAA and .933 save percentage in 21 games.
