Sep 15, 2022

(WAUSAU, WI)- The Cyclones begin their 2022-23 season campaign Friday night at the Rochester Rec Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Wausau will have a tall task as they will be facing the defending Fraser Cup Champions and Central Division winners. The contest will also be the first game under new bench boss Nathan Oystrick, who took over the job earlier this month. Wausau returns 12 players from the 2021-22 squad that earned a playoff berth in the teams first season. Gage Vierzba highlights the returning group, as he led the team in total points last season with 40.

What to Watch For

Look for Cyclones to rely on their veteran leaders in a hostile environment. The Cyclones return three of the top five point leaders in Gage Vierzba (40), Hayden Shoemake (34) and Zac Maupin (23)

The Rochester Grizzlies are led by returning forward Austin Meers. Meers had 31 points last season and had 6 points last weekend in two games versus St. Louis.

Between the Pipes

Wausau is expected to split the series between Mitch Miscevich and Ryan Burke. Miscevich had a 9-10-0-1 record and 3.44 GAA in 20 games last season. Burke was 2-2-0-0 with a 3.01 GAA in 5 games last year.

The Grizzlies are expected to spilt with Lucas Henderson and Kaleb Bents. Combined they recorded a .965 save percentage versus St. Louis last weekend.

Up Next

The Cyclones will continue their six game road trip to begin the schedule next weekend as they pay a visit to the St. Louis Jr. Blues. Single game tickets for all 22 Cyclones home games this season are now on sale at www.wausaucyclones.com. Catch the Home Opener Friday, October 14th at 7:10pm as the first 500 fans receive a Cyclones magnet schedule presented by Bug Tussel Wireless.