Rochester, MN – The Central Division has been tightly contested for much of the NA3HL season, with several teams separated by only a few points in the standings. Two of those teams — the Wausau Cyclones and the Rochester Grizzlies — entered the weekend with nearly identical records, setting the stage for a decisive two-game series. The matchup served as an early-season measuring stick, and the Cyclones made a clear statement, sweeping the Grizzlies and moving into a top-three position in the division.
In the first meeting of the season between the Grizzlies and Cyclones, a slow start kept the game scoreless for nearly the entire first period. Jackson Maddock broke the stalemate with his third goal of the season at the 3-minute mark, giving the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. Rochester answered early in the second to even the score at 1-1.
With under a minute remaining in the second, it appeared the game would head into the third tied. However, Tucker Gretebeck scored his first goal of the season with 44 seconds left to restore the Cyclones’ lead. Rochester pulled even again with an early third-period goal, but Wausau responded decisively. Two goals from Jackson Schroeder and another from Lucas Mankoff sealed a Game 1 victory.
In the second game of the weekend series, Rochester looked to avoid a sweep and keep pace in the divisional standings. The Grizzlies struck first, scoring three minutes into the opening period. The Cyclones remained composed and took control, scoring once in each period. Goals from Brady Knutsen, Brandon Piwko and Schroeder built a 3-1 lead with 10 minutes to play in regulation.
Rochester cut the deficit to one with a goal at the 9-minute mark of the third, but Wausau’s defense shut the door to secure the sweep.
The Cyclones, now on a three-game win streak, have next weekend off before traveling for a two-game series against the Peoria Mustangs on Nov. 21-22. Wausau returns home for the first time since Oct. 24 to face the St. Louis Jr. Blues on Nov. 28.
