After 14 games, ISU hockey coach Al Murdoch is switching things up just a bit with his lineups. Incoming freshmen are playing up to expectations and line combinations have worked out well for the most part, Murdoch said.

However, one line is being changed. Derek Kohles and David Kurbatsky are switching spots in their respective lines, with Kohles to be paired with Jon Feavel and Chris Cucullu, while Kurbatsky will move to play with senior Brian Rooney and Joe Bueltel.

“Kohles will add a physical aspect to that unit,” Murdoch said. “All three of those guys are good skaters and puck handlers, but none of them will blow people over like Kohles will.”

Murdoch said Kurbatsky is more finesse than power, so having him on a line with two other finesse players in Feavel and Cucullu was not ideal. The change was made after the Cyclones’ series against Illinois last weekend, which they split to experience their first loss in regulation.

The new lines have been practicing together all week and will see their first full 60-minute action this weekend against Arizona State.

“Until we’re actually in a game situation playing with each other, I won’t have any idea,” Kohles said. “It takes time to figure out what others like to do and get a feel for the other players on the ice.”

Kohles has scored four goals this season and has spent the majority of his ice time on the penalty kill. Standing tall at 6 foot 2 inches, he is a physical presence not to be taken lightly.

“It’s always nice to play with someone that everyone is afraid of,” said Feavel, Kohles’ new linemate. “But he’s really overly nice. Don’t let his size fool you. He is full of kindness. At the same time, he’s a big boy and not afraid to use his body.”

A third-year forward from Johnston, Iowa, Kohles has built that reputation as a nice guy off the ice and an enforcer on the ice. It’s something Murdoch liked, but said that’s not his whole game.

“He’s one of our best penalty killers on the team,” Murdoch said. “He’s just a well-balanced, all-around player. He’s performing at or even above the level of our expectations through the first 14 games.”

Murdoch said he wants him to get more involved on the power play as the season progresses. For now, Kohles will get a shot with a new line that he hopes will pay dividends for not just him, but for the team as well, regardless of if he scores a goal or gets a big hit.

“I feel the most successful when I’m able to maybe influence the team to play to the best of their abilities and when the whole team plays well together,” Kohles said.