Cyclone Hockey (1-1-0 ACHA), ranked No. 5, regained its confidence by evening the series against the No. 4 ranked Oklahoma Sooners (1-1-0 ACHA).

The Cyclones suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Sooners on Sept. 19 by blowing scoring chances and power plays. On Sept. 20, however, they looked like a completely different team and edged out a 2-1 victory. Now they feel confident moving forward.

“We needed this win,” said head coach Jason Fairman. “If we would have been swept this weekend at home, I don’t know how long it would take for us to regain our confidence so this is a big win for the team.”

The Cyclones’ defense seemed to have a big improvement from one game to the next. The Cyclones gave up three goals during the first game and only one during the second.

Cyclone goalie Matt Cooper made 36 saves on 39 shots Sept. 19 and 37 saves on 38 shots for the game Sept. 20.

“I think our team played well. We can definitely stack up against one of the top teams in the country,” Cooper said. “We put a really good effort forward today and it was a good team bonding experience.”

Oklahoma took a 1-0 lead in the first game on a power play goal with just less than two minutes left in the first period. Oklahoma extended its lead to 2-0 in the second period after Darrell Boldon scored with just under three minutes remaining.

The Cyclones ended up getting a goal back, only to give up another one shortly after. Cyclone Hockey fell 3-1 in its American Collegiate Hockey association opening series.

Game two of the series went to the Cyclones because of their constant pressure and great goalie play. The team allowed only 20 shots to be taken in the first two periods but allowed 18 in the third period alone.

The teams were tied 0-0 heading into the first intermission. The Cyclones out-shot the Sooners 11 to six.

Senior forward Alec Wilhelmi gave the Cyclones a 1-0 lead early in the second with a shot from 40 feet out. They managed to hold onto the lead heading into the third period where Oklahoma came out shooting.

Cooper responded with 17 saves on 18 shots.

Trevor Lloyd gave the Cyclones a 2-0 lead. Then a four-on-three power gave Oklahoma the chance to close the gap, which they did when Mico Solorzano scored to make the score 2-1.

The Sooners kept shooting but the Cyclones’ defense stood strong and held them off for a 2-1 win, its first ACHA win of the season.

Alternate captain Antti Helanto was pleased with the series and feels confident about the season ahead.

“It was a really good series and an indication of where we are as a team,” Helanto said. “Oklahoma is expected to be one of the top teams so splitting the series with them is huge. For the young guys to see that they can battle and play well on this level is a huge confidence booster moving forward.”