WAUSAU, WI. — The Cyclones returned home to Marathon Park Arena on Feb. 6-7 to open the final stretch of the 2025-26 NA3HL regular season. Facing out-of-division opponent Minnesota Wilderness, Wausau picked up wins in both games to complete the series sweep and continue its dominance on home ice.
The Cyclones came out strong in the opening period, scoring twice within the first eight minutes. Lucas Mankoff opened the scoring for Wausau before Davis Polifka added a power-play goal three minutes later to give the Cyclones a 2-0 lead.
Just two minutes into the second period, Sean Hall netted his fifth goal of the season to extend the lead to three. Minnesota responded one minute later with its first goal of the game, but Wausau answered immediately, as Jackson Maddock found the back of the net to make it 4-1.
A quiet third period followed, with both goaltenders turning in strong performances, allowing the Cyclones to secure the first win of the weekend. Brady Faille earned the victory in net for Wausau, stopping 34 of 35 shots.
Entering the weekend, the Cyclones had a chance to clinch their third straight playoff berth on Friday with a win and a Wisconsin Woodsmen regulation loss. While Wausau handled its part, the Woodsmen earned an overtime win over the St. Louis Jr. Blues, postponing the clinch.
Saturday’s scenario was simple — win and you’re in.
Minnesota struck first just two minutes into the game, taking its first lead of the weekend. Wausau quickly responded behind Maksim Salienko, who scored back-to-back goals just two minutes apart to give the Cyclones the lead.
In the second period, Brady Knutsen scored on the power play to extend the advantage, and with 13 seconds remaining in the frame, Lucas Mankoff added a shorthanded goal to give Wausau a 5-1 lead heading into the third.
The Cyclones closed out the game with a steady final period, capped by an unselfish play from Jackson Schroeder, who fed Salienko for an empty-net goal and his first career hat trick. Salienko became just the second Cyclones player this season to record a three-goal game.
Brody Kunst got the start in goal Saturday and rebounded from the early goal, finishing with 29 saves on 30 shots to seal the win and clinch the playoff berth.
Up Next
The Cyclones return home this weekend to host the St. Louis Jr. Blues in a two-game series on Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14. Doors open at 6:10 p.m. with puck drop set for 7:10 p.m. both nights. Tickets are available online at wausaucyclones.com or at the door while supplies last.
