When Cyclone Hockey takes to the ice this weekend, it will be facing a familiar foe.

For the sixth time in the last year Iowa State (13-2-1, 5-0-1 CSHL) will take on CSHL rival Robert Morris in a pair of games Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 9 and 10.

The Eagles (10-1-0, 4-0-0 CSHL) enter the series ranked No. 3 in the most recent ACCHA rankings while the Cyclones enter the contest ranked No. 9.

ISU coach Al Murdoch feels his team is prepared entering the series with the Eagles.

“They have one loss, we only have three. They are ranked number three, we are top-10 also,” Murdoch said. “Our guys are playing really well right now so it will be a great matchup.”

Murdoch said this is the beginning of a difficult part of the Cyclones’ schedule.

“We play 14 more games before Christmas break,” Murdoch said. “Every single one of them is tough, they are all against ranked teams.”

The Eagles, whose one loss came in a shootout with No. 15 Stony Brook, enter the game riding a six-game winning streak. During that streak Robert Morris has allowed more than one goal only once and has scored five or more goals in four games.

The last time the two teams met was in the first round of last year’s ACHA tournament. The Cyclones won that game in overtime by a score of 2-1.

Cooper said a strong start is important for Iowa State.

“We will need to make sure to get out of the gate quick.” Cooper said. “We have struggled with slow starts this year so we need to get out quick then stay on them for all three periods.”

ISU senior forward Jon Feavel sees the series with Robert Morris as a good chance for the Cyclones to prove themselves.

“We have been battling with them for years, it is a rivalry game.” Feavel said. “We are excited to get out there against one of the best in the country.”