ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester Grizzlies are off to a perfect start.
Rochester swept a two-game Central Division series against the Wausau Cyclones this past weekend at the Rochester Recreation Center, earning a 7-3 victory Friday before closing the weekend with a 4-1 win Saturday. The pair of victories moved the Grizzlies to 3-0-0 to begin the 2026-27 NA3HL season.
The weekend followed Rochester’s dramatic season-opening 3-2 shootout victory over the West Bend Power on Sept. 12. In that game, the Grizzlies erased a 2-0 deficit, with Andrew Sherland and Conrad Edlund scoring in regulation before Dominic Arndt converted Rochester’s first shootout attempt. Goaltender Cameron Patrick stopped all three West Bend shooters in the shootout after making 32 saves through regulation and overtime.
Rochester Explodes for Seven on Friday
The Grizzlies wasted little time taking control Friday night against Wausau.
Rochester scored three unanswered goals in the opening period, highlighted by back-to-back shorthanded goals just 25 seconds apart. Captain Konnor Goclan opened the scoring at 14:45, followed by Camryn Koch at 15:20 for his first junior hockey goal. Sam Paczan added another with 39 seconds remaining in the period to send Rochester into the first intermission with a 3-0 lead.
Wausau got on the board early in the second period, but Rochester responded with goals from Jace Jordan and Dominic Arndt to extend the advantage to 5-1.
The teams traded goals in the third. Sawyer Zaruba scored his first of the season before Jordan added his second goal of the night on the power play, helping Rochester finish off the 7-3 victory. Six different Grizzlies scored their first goals of the season in the win.
Rochester held a commanding 45-23 advantage in shots on goal, including a 19-3 edge in the opening period. Patrick made 20 saves to earn his second win of the season.
Goclan, Hill Lead Saturday Victory
Rochester carried that momentum into Saturday.
Goclan again opened the scoring, converting just 3:42 into the first period with assists from Jace Jordan and Jesse Varner. Rookie Carter Kerkenbush followed with his first goal as a Grizzly at 13:46, giving Rochester a 2-0 lead after one.
Wausau cut the lead to 2-1 in the second, but the Grizzlies pulled away in the third.
Alexander Wainio scored his first career NA3HL goal at 7:57 of the final period, with Gianni Brisson and Liam Doyle picking up the assists. Goclan then sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 2:35 remaining.
Goaltender Christian Hill was outstanding in his first junior hockey start, stopping 27 of 28 shots and holding the Cyclones scoreless on all three of their power-play opportunities. Rochester finished the night with a 31-30 edge in shots.
The 4-1 win completed the weekend sweep and gave Rochester victories in each of its first three games, all against Central Division opponents.
Goclan Named Central Division Star of the Week
Goclan’s performance earned recognition from the league Monday, as the veteran forward and Grizzlies captain was named the NA3HL Central Division Star of the Week for Week 3.
Goclan recorded four points in the two-game series, scoring the opening goal Friday and adding an assist before scoring twice Saturday. Through the first three games of the season, Goclan has three goals and has helped set the tone for Rochester’s undefeated start.
Head coach Marty Raymond praised Goclan’s impact following the league announcement, pointing not only to his production but to his play at both ends of the ice and his leadership as team captain.
Back at the Rec This Weekend
The Grizzlies return home this weekend for another Central Division matchup against the West Bend Power, the same team Rochester defeated in its season opener.
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:05 PM
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 6:05 PM
Tickets are available at tickets.rochestergrizz.com.