Last week, the Cyclones had a good chance to get most of the team out on the ice and get them some game experience.

It’s only one series, but it gave players opportunities to showcase their skills, speed and tenacity.

“I thought we had pretty good speed. But, going forward, everyone else is going to get faster, too,” said coach Al Murdoch. “And we’re a pretty physical team. We didn’t back down.”

The challenge to be quick but also have a physical presence on the ice is a good one, but a challenge Murdoch likes to face.

“They don’t shy away from the hits,” Murdoch said. “There were some big hits [last weekend]. It’s one thing to have speed, but it’s another thing to be physical. I’ll take physical anytime.”

Freshman Dominic Toigo understands the mindset the rest of his team has during a game.

“Any chance we have, we’re throwing the body around,” Toigo said. “We have guys who aren’t afraid to fight out there, guys who will stick up for anybody on the team.”

The Cyclones have another opportunity to fine-tune each aspect of the game when they host St. Cloud State University this weekend.

St. Cloud has a NCAA Division I team, but this team will be comprised of players from an expanded roster trying to make it on the D-I team.

Junior defenseman Justin Wilkinson will be looking for a small piece of revenge. Last year, the Huskies came in and earned a two-game series split against the Cyclones.

“We have some unfinished business with them,” Wilkinson said. “Unlike last year, we can’t just go through the motions.”

The Huskies outmatched the Cyclones in the series finale last year, beating Iowa State 4-2. The teams combined for 14 penalties in that game.

“I think they’ll bring a pretty skilled team this year,” Murdoch said, “and it might be a situation like last weekend where we have to be physical to get the puck in.”

Toigo said his teammates have been working on special teams in practice, and he hopes that translates into a game setting.

“I expect us to work hard, probably get some power-play goals out of it,” Toigo said. “Hopefully we come out with a win.”

Murdoch has had a lot of experience with many different styles and types of teams. He likes the group he has, but insists the season, like his team, is young.

“Even though we’re youthful, we’re solid,” Murdoch said. “It’s still early. We have to keep growing and get stronger.”

The Cyclones play host to the Huskies beginning Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.