(WAUSAU, WI)- The Cyclones begin their 2026-27 season campaign Friday night at Owens Center in Peoria, Illinois under first year Head Coach Luke Meyer. Friday’s game will be the earliest the franchise has ever begun a season, beating out the 2024-25 season September 13th road opener. Wausau was 7-1 versus Peoria a year ago, but with the roster changes associated with junior hockey every year brings in a new mix for each roster. Wausau returns eight players from their 2025-26 squad and potentially more as NAHL roster become finalized into late September. Fans can watch all 47 regular season Cyclones games on NAHLTV.com. Puck drops at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday night.
What to Watch For
Bryton Thaxton and Colin Sexton are a couple of newcomers to keep an eye on this weekend. Thaxton contributed 15 goals and 12 assists last season with Soo Indians 18U AAA, meanwhile Sexton had 16 goals and 9 assists in 16 games last season at Heritage HS in Colorado. Two of the veteran leaders that Wausau will rely on early this season are forwards Sean Hall and Jackson Maddock who played in a combined 87 games last season and produced 42 points.
Between the Pipes
Wausau is projected to split time between Parker Nevenhoven and Draven Wirth in net this weekend. Nevenhoven had a 2.14 GAA in 20 games last season at Marquette High and Draven Wirth sported a 3.21 in 17 games at Red Lake Falls High last year.
Up Next
Wausau will head to St. Louis next weekend and take on the Jr. Blues. Don’t miss the Home Opener Saturday, September 26th with Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Cloverbelt Credit Union. Puck drops at 7:10pm and doors open at 6:10pm. Visit wausaucyclones.com for tickets. 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.
