When goalie Matt Cooper is away, goalie Scott Ismond comes to play.

With Cooper, who had started all but four games this year for the No. 6 Cyclones (21-5-2, 8-2-0 CSCHL), off playing in the Winter World University Games in Trentino, Italy, Ismond got the nod to start the two-game series against No. 14 Lindenwood University (6-12-2, 4-4-2 CSCHL).

And following the series against Central State Collegiate Hockey League rival Lindenwood, where the Cyclones won both games 3-1, ISU coach Jason Fairman said Ismond was able to step up and fill the role.

“[Ismond] did very well,” Fairman said. “He was very clam back there, and he didn’t get rattled. So he had a fantastic series this weekend.”

This series consisted of Ismond blocking 51 of 53 shots on goal. The two goals that he did surrender to the Lions he said he credits to a break down in the Cyclones defensive zone.  

“I think was just a little defensive breakdown in our zone,” Ismond said. “With both of those goals, the guy got the puck in slot, which is a high scoring area.”

With the two games against Lions under his belt Ismond has started six games this season, and when he has been on the ice he has been effective. In his 408.48 minutes of playing time this year, his goals-against average is below two, and he has .931 save percentage.

Even though he knew he was going to suit up as a starter, Ismond said he prepared for the series against Lindenwood just like he does every game.

“This whole year I just put my head down and keep my tail up,” Ismond said. “I’m just trying to work hard in practice. I know this was date on the calendar I had circle as an opportunity to get in, but it’s the guys in front that kept everything simple and made it easy for me.”

But defenseman Alex Stephens said it makes it easier on him when Ismond is in front of the net.

“Izzy was awesome,” Stephens said. “It is kind of cliché to say, but I do think we have two great goaltenders. One just happens to be a backup. As a D-man, it’s nice to know I have that last line defense.”

Cooper may be the starting goalie for the Cyclones, but Fairman said Ismond brings just as much to the team.

“No question,” Fairman said. “If we have either of those guys [Ismond and Cooper] playing, we have a chance to win the game.”