Starting for the first time since November, freshman goaltender Scott Ismond stopped all 14 shots from the University of Kansas as the Cyclones overwhelmed the Jayhawks, 11-0, in the final series before the rematch series against Lindenwood University.

Ismond, who last saw action in a win over Minnesota-Crookston, stayed fresh and alert in net for Iowa State (22-14-0) as they had their way with the D-II Jayhawks (2-18-0).

“We played our game tonight,” Ismond said. “We focused on keeping it simple. The guys did a good job clearing the puck.”

Iowa State has yet to lose this semester, albeit against less-than-stellar opponents. After two series sweeps against league opponents in Robert Morris and Illinois, the Cyclones have hosted three D-II teams to Ames while they await the return of coach Al Murdoch and starting goalie Erik Hudson. Murdoch and Hudson are at the World University Games in Turkey, where Hudson is the starting goaltender for the United States. His absence gives players like third-stringer Ismond a chance.

“It’s always good when you get a shutout,” said associate coach Brian Wierson, who has overtaken coaching duties for the past three weeks. “It’s just a testament not only to our goaltenders but the guys playing in front of him defensively, the defensemen and forwards. Everyone is playing strong.”

The young Cyclones will need the strong play to continue next week. Arguably the biggest series of the year comes this Friday when Iowa State travels to St. Louis for a rematch against Lindenwood University. Lindenwood swept the Cyclones back in early December, and players said these past few weeks have been preparation for that series.

“It’s going to be a big series against Lindenwood,” Ismond said. “We came together as a team a lot these past weeks, so we expect to give them a run for their money.”

Iowa State has its work cut out for them. The Jayhawk team it beat this weekend is a D-II team that fielded only 12 position players, compared to around 17 ISU players. Iowa State was able to control the tempo and get the shots and scoring opportunities they wanted to. But things will be immensely different against the No. 1 team in the land and the reigning national champions. A veteran bunch that returned several key players from their championship team, the Lions, Wierson said, will be a good measuring stick for his team heading into the playoffs.

“We’re working real hard for the huge series coming up against Lindenwood,” Wierson said. “We’re building for that with a good work ethic and mentality moving forward.”