This Thursday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 15, the Power will host the Oregon Tradesmen and Wausau Cyclones, respectively. Milwaukee played two games against Oregon this past weekend, splitting the series with a win on Friday and a loss on Saturday. On the other hand, the Power haven’t played Wausau since Oct. 3. Milwaukee split this series as well, losing in a shootout on Oct. 2 and beating the Cyclones 5-2 the following day.
So far, the Tradesmen have had a successful season, currently holding second place in the Central Division standings and 8th place overall. Like Milwaukee, Oregon won two out of three games in this year’s Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. Post-Showcase, however, the Tradesmen have had a 2-2 record, with one of their losses being against Milwaukee. After this weekend’s split, which got chippy at the end, both the Power and the Tradesmen will be eager to take the upper hand Thursday night.
Wausau currently sits in fourth place in the Central Division standings, just five points ahead of Milwaukee. Prior to Showcase, the Cyclones were on a four-game losing streak. This losing streak extended to five when they lost to the El Paso Rhinos on the first day of Showcase; however, they won the following day, which was their only victory during their three games in Blaine. At the end of December, Wausau and Oregon had a two-game series, which was another split. Since then, the Cyclones swept the St. Louis Jr. Blues and are going into this weekend’s matchup against the Power with two more wins under their belt.
Milwaukee had a rough start to this season, getting stuck in long-lasting losing streaks in both October and November. However, they found their spark again leading up to Showcase and won two out of three games during their week in Blaine. This put them on a three-game winning streak and a point streak of five. Their series against the Tradesmen were the Power’s first games since Showcase; with their win on Friday night, Milwaukee has defeated Oregon twice within a month after losing to them all season.
Despite the rivalry that’s formed between these two Wisconsin teams, Thursday night is the last regular season game between the Power and the Tradesmen. For anyone interested in attending, please note that this game will take place at Kettle Moraine Ice Center at 7:15 p.m! All game day proceeds will benefit the Washington County Youth Hockey Association. The Power is also raffling off an autographed stick; further details are provided on our Instagram account.
Saturday’s game against the Wausau Cyclones will be an exciting reunion between both teams. The Power is honored to partner with Hometown Heroes, “a non-profit organization that provides support, healing and recognition to first responders, the military community, and children and families in need.” We will be auctioning off custom Milwaukee Power Hometown Heroes jerseys, with all proceeds benefiting the organization. To get yourself a custom jersey, bidding begins on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. through the link below! Bidding ends on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Saturday’s game begins at 12:30 p.m. at Ozaukee Ice Center; tickets are only $5 on the Power’s website with the code HEROES!
Thursday and Saturday’s games are the last home games until Feb. 12. Come out to support the Washington County Youth Hockey Association, Hometown Heroes, and of course, your Milwaukee Power!
Story by Julia Woodcock
