Cyclones goalie Dereck Namlick earns two shutouts in weekend sweep
(Wausau, WI) – The Mustangs of Peoria proved no match for the Cyclones, giving up 15 total goals, while scoring none of their own in two blowout losses. Wausau needed to take care of business on home ice to remain one point out of 1st place in the Central Division, and they did not disappoint. A goal filled weekend was highlighted by back-to-back shutout performances by Cyclones goaltender Dereck Namlick, stopping all 34 shots that came his direction across both contests.
On Friday night, defenseman Davis Polifka was shot out of a cannon, scoring two goals in the opening three minutes, with assists from Jake Garrow, Frank Goodman, John Kriz and Thomas Gerum. Kriz would net one of his own about 10 minutes later, with assists from Owen Gohm and Garrow. The Clones would carry that 3-0 lead into the 3rd period, where John Kriz would complete his hat trick! Assists came from Landon Bechtolt, Easton Plachetka, Gerum and Bechtolt again. Thomas Gerum would also earn himself playmaker honors with a total of four assists on the night, including a Bechtolt goal late in the period, with some help from Brady Ernst. Also getting in on the third period action was Garrow and Brady Knutsen, with assists from Chase Chapman and Gerum respectively. Namlick made 23 saves.
Saturday was a similar outcome, with the difference being a lack of scoring in the 3rd period this time around. Three 1st period goals gave Wausau a solid lead, and they never turned back. Frank Goodman, Truman Zerse and Brady Knutsen hooked up for the first goal of the game less than two minutes in. Connor Dvorak then netted his 21st goal of the season, burying a pass from Thomas Gerum and Goodman. Mario Savino scored his second of the season assisted by Dvorak and Garrow. Following the first intermission the Cyclones did not let their foot off the gas pedal. John Kriz scored twice in the period, assisted by Bechtolt, Gerum twice, and Goodman. Owen Gohm scored from Knutsen and Bechtolt capped off the weekend with another one from Gerum and Goodman. Goodman also earned himself a playmaker, and four total points on the weekend. Namlick was able to stay engaged despite not staying busy, making 11 saves across 60 minutes.
Next weekend the Clones take on the Rochester Grizzlies at Marathon Park Friday night and West Bend Power Saturday Night. The first 250 fans Friday, March 7th will receive Cyclones Playing Cards presented by Bautch Chiropractic. Saturday, March 8th is Fan Appreciation and Cyclones Trapper Hat Giveaway presented by Kolbe Windows and Doors (First 500 fans). Puck drops at 7:10pm both nights. Visit wausaucyclones.com for tickets. Stay connected during the season by following the Cyclones @wausaucyclones on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and online at wausaucyclones.com. Subscribe to the Cyclones podcast “Inside Cyclones Hockey”, available on your favorite podcast network.
The Cyclones are members of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), one of three USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior leagues, serves as one of the top training grounds in the country by providing the best coaching, exposure and developmental vehicles available for student-athletes in its classification. The primary mission of the NA3HL is to provide a structured developmental environment for student-athletes who have aspirations of playing in the NAHL or United States Hockey League and eventually the NCAA or American College Hockey Association. For more information, visit wausaucyclones.com.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
