Offense too much for Jayhawks in easy sweep

Captain+Cort+Bulloch+attempts+to+protect+the+puck+from+a+Kansas+opponent+during+the+hockey+game+Friday+at+the+Ames%2FISU+Ice+Arena.+The+Cyclones+defeated+the+Jayhawks+9-0.+

Captain Cort Bulloch attempts to protect the puck from a Kansas opponent during the hockey game Friday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. The Cyclones defeated the Jayhawks 9-0.

Dan Kassan

Coming into Saturday’s game, Iowa State had won 10 games in a row. The University of Kansas had won two games all year.

Given the recent competition level, the Cyclones (22-14-0) have had the upcoming series against league rival Lindenwood on their minds since December, but associate coach Brian Wierson assured his team that letting up in any game is unacceptable.

“With the work ethic and the mentality that these guys have had this semester, you know, there’s teams that are on the tracks and we’re moving forward,” Wierson said.

The Cyclones came out firing against the overmatched Jayhawks (2-18-0), one of three Division-II opponents Iowa State has hosted in the past three weeks. Scoring came in bunches and from all over the rink. Defensemen like Brandon Clark and Kyle Van found the back of the net, as well as forwards like Jake Flynn, who got two late goals.

Kansas was able to get 14 shots on freshman Scott Ismond, but he denied them all in the 11-0 blowout victory.

“We played our game tonight,” Ismond said, starting in place of Erik Hudson, who started for Team USA in the World University Games in Turkey. “We focused on keeping it simple. The guys did a good job clearing the puck.”

Wierson said after the game he wanted his team to do a better job in the defensive zone, getting pucks away from the net and start more opportunities for his offense. The offense scored 11 times on 28 shots. The defense held Kansas to zero goals on 14 shots on net.

“I think that’s a testament to not only our goaltenders but also the guys playing in front of him, the defensemen, forwards — everyone as a unit is just playing real strong,” Wierson said.

Iowa State outscored Kansas 20-0 in the weekend series.

The Jayhawks fielded 12 position players while the Cyclones had 17, giving Iowa State more opportunities to push the tempo and get fresh legs out on the ice.

The Cyclones have now won 11 games in a row and haven’t lost since Lindenwood swept them at home. Senior Cort Bulloch has been waiting for the rematch ever since.

“You’re always thinking about that,” said Bulloch. “It’s in the back of your head. Some guys had Lindenwood highlighted on their schedule.”

Wierson added that his team is working real hard and have been building for the series since the semester began. The showdown begins Friday night in St. Louis, Mo.  It will also mark the return of head coach Al Murdoch and Hudson from their absence in Turkey.