Riding on a seven game win streak, the Cyclones are ready to take on the Colorado State University Rams in a two-game series at home this weekend.

“We’ve won every game this semester, and when we work hard in practice, that translates into games,” said assistant coach Brian Wierson.

The team has done well, considering coach Al Murdoch and key goaltender Erik Hudson are on a three-week trip to the 2011 World University games.

“It’s a little difficult to communicate with Murdoch when there is a time difference, so we use e-mail, which isn’t as fluid,” Wierson said.

Hudson and Murdoch won’t be back until Feb. 7, but the Cyclones team has been able to remain in the game.

“It’s a disadvantage not having them here since they are such a big part of what we do,” said senior Cort Bulloch. “Our team is deep though, and goaltenders [Scott] Ismond and [Paul] Karus are strong.” 

This weekend, the competition from Colorado will be more intense than the last weekend against Minnesota-Crookston and the Cyclones are ready for the challenge.

“Colorado State will be coming to get off to a good start, physically and mentally,” Wierson said.

Continuing to maintain defense and fighting through adversity is key to keeping up the winning streak.

The Cyclones have made big improvements from the beginning of the season.

“We had a rocky start to the season but we have come a long way,” Bulloch said. “This win streak is a huge confidence booster.”

The series begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a game at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.