Since the departure of senior Erik Hudson, the Cyclones and coach Alan Murdoch have been trying to find an answer to the question of who starts in net each game.

Through four exhibition games, Murdoch has rotated in three goaltenders, trying to see if any of them have an edge on the others.

As of now, it doesn’t appear so — Murdoch is not ready to name a starter, but said his team will need to have a good week of practice before he makes a decision.

Murdoch said he will name a starter on Thursday and that he might possibly try a platoon method between the pipes.

“That’s the direction we’re headed right now,” Murdoch said.

Junior Paul Karus gave up only one goal in his 60-minute audition Friday against St. Cloud State. After sitting on the bench for two years while Hudson started in net, Karus is used to the heavy competition from guys vying to be the starting goalie.

“Same old, same old, you know,” Karus said. “I’ve been through it before with [Hudson]. The other goalies are very good. Competition makes us better.”

Meanwhile freshman Peter Alexander has seen two stints in the net, giving up three goals total. The Vancouver native said he’s only concerned about his performance.

“If they tell me to go I’ll go,” Alexander said. “I’m not worried about the other goalies. They’re great guys, but I’m focused on what I need to do when I’m called upon.”

Jared Andersen, the third goalie in the equation, allowed five goals against the tryout team from the Huntsville Havoc on Sept. 17.

The Cyclones host Oklahoma in their first league series this weekend. The Sooners, ranked seventh in the pre-season rankings by the ACHA, will provide the best chance for any goaltender to showcase their skills after two weeks of easy victories against overmatched teams.

Jon Feavel, who starred in the two-game series against St. Cloud State, has played in front of all the goaltenders and noticed that the differences are few and far between.

“I think the reason that there isn’t a clear-cut starter is because they’re all so competitive and play so well,” Feavel said. “I think I’d be able to see it, and I’d tell you if I saw it but they keep it pretty close. They do a good job making sure of that.”

In 10 games last season, Karus earned a 2.52 goals-against average with one shutout.

Karus had been anticipating this season as his season to take over the job. However, with the addition of two freshmen goaltenders playing at a high level, Karus now must face the reality of a revolving door in net — if Murdoch chooses to go that route.

“It’s his decision, so you gotta technically like it,” Karus said. “But whatever gives the team the best chance to win, I’m all for it.”