Iowa State is playing the Oklahoma Sooners in its American Collegiate Hockey Association opener and the Cyclones will be looking for revenge against their rival that ruined their National Championship chances a season ago.

Last season the Sooners gave Iowa State its last loss of the year, knocking them out of the 2014 ACHA Men’s Division 1 National Tournament in the quarterfinals, which left a chip of the teams shoulders.

“We would like to exact some revenge on these guys, no doubt,” said Head Coach Jason Fairman. “Whether they want revenge or not, I hope our team recognizes the significance of this game. This is a huge test early on.”

When the two teams played each other last year in the quarterfinals, the score was 1-0 heading into the third favoring the Cyclones but with a 3-goal period, the Sooners won the game 3-1.

Being ranked second heading onto the tournament, the Sooners were granted a first round bye, while the 10^th ranked Cyclones had to play in the opening rounds.

“I think guys felt like we let the National Tournament slip out of our hands,” Fairman said. “Having played a game already, I feel that we were a half a step slow and I think that factored in.”

Players from last year are still feeling the loss from Oklahoma such as alternate captains Trevor Lloyd and Antti Helanto.

“We will come in with a little chip on our shoulder, especially the guys who were around last year for nationals,” said Lloyd. “I am really excited to play, I think it is good we have a test like this early in the season.”

Senior defenseman Antti Helanto still remembers the loss in the quarterfinals last year and plans to pay it back to them this year.

“They are one of the teams to beat and we want to get a good start to the season, said the senior defenseman. “All the returning guys remember what happened last time and we want to have our payback.”

Last year during the quarterfinals, goalie Matt Cooper made 40 saves on 43 shots. This year the Cyclones look to not give up so many shots and capitalize on the power plays.

With no opening round game, the Cyclones will be at their best and look to put the Sooners away early.

The Cyclones will face off against the Oklahoma Sooners at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 and 4 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.