WAUSAU, WI. – The Wausau Cyclones are proud to announce that Head Coach and General Manager of Hockey Operations Nathan Oystrick has accepted the Head Coach position with the Houston Bulls of the North American Hockey League. While today marks the end of an incredible chapter for the Cyclones, it is also an opportunity to celebrate a well-earned advancement for one of the organization’s most influential leaders.
“First and foremost, we are incredibly proud of Nathan and everything he has accomplished during his time with the Wausau Cyclones,” said Cyclones Ownership. “This opportunity is one he has earned through his leadership, his commitment to developing young men both on and off the ice, and the culture he built alongside his coaching staff. The success of our organization over the past four seasons is a direct reflection of the quality of players he recruited and developed, and the standard of excellence he established within our program,” stated Cyclones Ownership.
A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Oystrick guided the Cyclones to a 115-77-10-2 record during his four seasons behind the bench. His impact on the organization was immediate and lasting. During the 2023-24 season, Oystrick was named the NA3HL Coach of the Year after orchestrating one of the league’s biggest turnarounds. The Cyclones improved by 25 wins from the previous season and captured the Central Division regular season title. Under his leadership, the Cyclones qualified for the playoffs in three of his four seasons while developing players for the next level. During his tenure, eight players earned NCAA Division III commitments, with more than 30 total players advancing to collegiate or higher levels of hockey.
Beyond the wins and accolades, Oystrick established a culture centered on accountability, professionalism, and player development that has left a lasting legacy within the organization.
Prior to joining the Cyclones, Oystrick gained coaching experience with the Elmira Jackals, Atlanta Gladiators, Colorado Academy, and Humboldt Broncos. As a player, he captained Northern Michigan University during his junior and senior seasons before embarking on an accomplished professional career that included stops in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and KHL. His NHL career included time with the Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks, and St. Louis Blues.
Today’s announcement is bittersweet for the Cyclones family, but it is one filled with pride.
To our fans, current players, alumni, billets, volunteers, and everyone who has supported the Cyclones throughout Nathan’s tenure—today we celebrate one of our own. Nathan has been a cornerstone of our organization, demonstrating unwavering dedication, passion, and leadership every day. His promotion to the NAHL is a testament not only to his hard work but also to his vision for developing players and building successful teams.
“Nathan’s promotion reflects exactly what we strive to be as an organization,” said Cyclones Ownership.
Oystrick reflected on his time in Wausau with heartfelt gratitude.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the entire Wausau Cyclones organization—from the amazing ownership group, coaching staff, and front office to our billets, volunteers, and fans—for everything they have done for me and, more importantly, for our players over the last four and a half years. It has been an incredible experience, and I am very proud of everything we have accomplished together. It is bittersweet to be leaving such a fantastic city and organization, but I am excited for the next challenge and look forward to watching the Cyclones’ continued success from Houston. To every player I have had the pleasure of coaching here, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories, the ups and downs, and the trust, commitment, and loyalty you showed every day. Watching all of you grow as hockey players and as people has been truly special, and I am beyond grateful for the relationships we built and for the opportunity to be your coach.”
Nathan’s legacy in Wausau extends far beyond victories and championships. He helped shape the lives of countless players, built lifelong relationships throughout the community, and elevated the Wausau Cyclones into one of the NA3HL’s premier organizations.
The entire Wausau Cyclones family congratulates Nathan on this well-deserved opportunity. Thank you for the memories, the leadership, and the legacy you leave behind. We will all be cheering you on as you begin this exciting new chapter with the Houston Bulls.
Congratulations, Coach. Once a Cyclone, Always a Cyclone.
Stay connected during the off-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.
