The ISU hockey team has spent this whole season without their top defenseman Brody Toigo. He missed all of last season with two herniated disks in his back.

So far this season, Toigo has been making progress in practice.

“I think he’s been looking great,” said coach Al Murdoch. “If we’re going to air, it’s going to be on the conservative side. We don’t want him to hurry, we want to make sure he’s okay with everything, we want to make sure his doctor is okay with everything.”

Toigo started practicing at the beginning of the season in short spurts. At first he was only able to practice for 20 or 30 minutes each day, but he is back to the point now of being on the ice for the full 90 minutes.

“Each week I’m feeling stronger, and I’m able to stay out here longer without any pain,” Toigo said.

The Cyclones are looking forward to Toigo adding depth, since the Cyclones are already off to a strong start this season. The Cyclones (11-2-1-1) have climbed to No. 6 in the nation after starting at No. 12.

Murdoch says that even though he has not played in a game yet this season, Toigo is still contributing to the team.

“He’s our best passer on the team right now,” Murdoch said. “He’s got the best shot on the team, one of the best skaters on the team. He’ll create an impact right away, no question about it.”

Toigo said that he is going home over Thanksgiving and could get the okay from his doctor as early as then.