The ISU hockey team is preparing for what could be two tight games this Friday and Saturday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

The No. 9 Cyclones (7-0-1) will be hosting the No. 11 Oakland (4-2). The Cyclones are currently sitting at the top of the CSCHL standings, while the Golden Grizzlies are second in the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League.

The Cyclones finished last season at No. 18 in the nation. They were ranked No. 12 in the preseason rankings and have moved up to No. 9 after a fast start.

The last time the Cyclones played the Golden Grizzlies, the Cyclones swept them in a two-game set.

“We have to prepare like they’re going to throw the kitchen sink at us,” said captain Brian Rooney. “They’re probably upset that they’re not in the top 10 like we are, so they’re going to throw everything they’ve got at us.”

The Cyclones’ successful start is exactly as Rooney expected, but he said it’s surprising how quickly the chemistry throughout the team has been built.

“The guys have come together a lot quicker than I expected, which is great,” Rooney said.

The Cyclones have been working on the power play and penalty kill this week a lot, just like they have been all season.

“Although it’s early in the season, I think the difference at this point in time is the ability of the special teams to perform well,” said coach Al Murdoch. “Our penalty killing has to be clicking, we have to shut down their power plays. On the other end, our power play has to score.”

Murdoch said that on the power play, they are looking for 25 to 30 percent efficiency.

“Some of the small things can make a difference,” Murdoch said. “Things like faceoffs, and the ability to communicate with teammates.”

Rooney mentioned he is very confident in his team’s power-play going into the weekend and that it could be the difference in either game.

“We’re going to be playing one-goal games this weekend, which makes the power play even more important,” Rooney said.

Both games start at 7:30 p.m. at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena on Friday and Saturday.