It’s that time of the year again — Cyclone Hockey is getting ready to hit the ice against the Huntsville Havoc this weekend.

The teams will play each other on Sept. 5 and 6 to open the season.

These two teams faced off last year, resulting in Iowa State winning both games. It won the first game 7-3 and second game 14-2.

“These early season games are a way for us to know our personnel and for guys to come in and demonstrate their ability and skill,” said head coach Jason Fairman. “The veterans will play but we are going to take a longer look at the other players.”

There are 64 players trying out for the Cyclone Hockey team and it has to be trimmed down to 28 spots. The Cyclones start making cuts Sept. 7.

“This weekend is an opportunity for a lot of the new guys to show the coaches what they have got,” said returning goalie Matt Cooper.

Cooper added that he is optimistic about the season and expects full effort from old and new players alike.

“There may be times when you may not be able to make the perfect play or make the big save,” Cooper said. “As long as everyone gives a full effort, the team and everyone involved is in a better situation.”

Last season, the Cyclones went 14-7-3 under Fairman. This year, however, will be Fairman’s first full season as head coach, and he expects a lot from the team.

“Last year, we finished with the best record in 15 years here and finished sixth in the nation,” Fairman said. “I think we are going to be better than last season. We all have high expectations for the season.”

Some players, such as defenseman Antti Helanto, have worked on their skills during the summer to prepare for the upcoming season.

The Finland native spent the summer doing drills and practicing with the Tuto professional hockey team from Finland.

“I feel like I am ready for the game but I want to shake off the rust,” Helanto said. “I have not played all summer so being in a game situation where there will be hits and real game skating will be different because I have been doing drills all summer working on my skating, shooting and technique.”

Cooper feels like everybody did his part during the offseason to set the team up with a chance for success.

“Many of the guys made good strides in the offseason,” Cooper said. “Hopefully all of this can transfer into some championship caliber hockey.”

The Cyclones play the Havoc at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.