As of now, the Cyclone Hockey club has two goaltenders that could each start at any given time.

Having two goalies who know what they are doing has its advantages.

“We’ve got two starters right now,” said coach Al Murdoch. “Both can play well at any important time.”

Senior goalie Paul Karus and junior goalie Scott Ismond have extremely close statistics and are each capable of starting in goal for the Cyclones.

“It’s a toss-up between Karus and Ismond,” Murdoch said. “Statistically, Ismond has a little bit of an edge on Karus.”

With a save percentage of 93, Ismond has the slight upper hand on Karus, who has a save percentage of 89. Ismond has also given up one goal fewer than Karus.

Even so, Murdoch shared his complete faith in all three of his goalies, noting that, in addition to Karus and Ismond, he would like to rotate junior goaltender Matt Cooper into the lineup more often.

Karus and Ismond began the year in Friday to Saturday rotation. Karus or Ismond would play goalie Friday and the other would be in goal Saturday.

Recently, in a game against Illinois, Murdoch decided to pull Karus halfway through the game, as he was searching for a “change in momentum.”

While Karus noted the advantages of having a two-goalie system, he shared his preference of staying in the game as much as possible.

“I like playing in every single game I can,” Karus said. “When I get into a rhythm, I start to see the puck better. It’s more consistent, more relaxed and more at ease.”

Similarly, Ismond mentioned that he, too, appreciates all the time he can get on the ice.

“It’s nice that when you get in that rhythm and you have that good game, that you can get back in there and keep on that rhythm,” Ismond said.

Although there are many talented goalies in the Central States League, Murdoch thinks his goalies rank among the best.

“I would put both of our goalies in the top ten in the nation,” Murdoch said. “No question about it.”