After months of planning and preparation, the Wisconsin Windigo successfully began a new chapter with the first-ever NAHL regular season series at The Ponds of Brookfield. Despite splitting the series with the Janesville Jets, the Windigo displayed its grit by responding to a Friday loss with a win on Saturday.
Friday, September 12
In Friday night’s home opener for the 2025-26 season, the Windigo fell to the Jets 4-1. Janesville led the Windigo 3-0 halfway into the third period before rookie forward Brendan Finley scored the first regular season goal of the year for Wisconsin.
Even though the Windigo lost by three goals, the team had more shots on target than the Jets by three attempts. Windigo goalkeeper Casimir Weckstrom made 24 saves and allowed three goals in the loss.
In addition to Finley, another pair of rookies were awarded stars of the game for their efforts, including blueliner Jordan Stange and winger Bjorn Bahneman.
Saturday, September 13
In game two of the season, the Windigo bounced back from Friday’s defeat with a 3-2 win on Saturday. The team trailed 1-0 headed into the second period before second-year Windigo defenseman Declan Burns lit the lamp to level the score.
Just under two minutes later, the Windigo took advantage of a mistake from Janesville goalie Christopher Prater. Windigo second-year defenseman Riley Joslin cleared the puck toward Prater, who couldn’t trap the puck before rookie forward Joe Erickson scored off the rebound. His first goal for the Windigo gave them their first lead of the season.
Wisconsin kept momentum in their favor when second-year forward Beau Kralovec found the back of the net 20 seconds after the second goal. He scored the game-winning goal by placing the puck top shelf past Prater for a 3-1 lead.
Despite allowing one more goal in the second period, the Windigo would hold on to win 3-2. Windigo rookie goalkeeper Max Kogler stopped 30 shots en route to his first NAHL win between the pipes.
Up Next
The Windigo play their next series at home against the Kenai River Brown Bears on Sept. 20 & 21. Tickets can be purchased on the team’s website. If you can’t make it in person, all home and road games can be streamed on NATV. Visit nahltv.com for more details.
