Iowa State will return home this weekend after going on their first road trip of the season last weekend. After dropping the first game, the young Cyclones came out better prepared to take on the University of Illinois and their infamously large rink.

“They had played there before — we hadn’t,” said freshman Jake Flynn.

Senior Jordan Pascale had played there previous to this matchup, and knew what his teammates were up against.

“It’s a tough place to win at,” Pascale said. “They have a big home advantage with that ice and the fans.”

Nevertheless, Iowa State won the second game of the series with better conditioning and better knowledge of the ice and how to play it. The first road trip had plenty of things to take away, but none bigger than the inability to score on the power play.

“We should have capitalized on the power play,” Pascale said. “That gradually will get better.”

Coach Al Murdoch wants his team to perform at about 25 percent efficiency on the power play. Connecting on only one power play in eight attempts is obviously a concern, but he realizes it’s still a work in progress.

“Special teams didn’t hurt us,” Murdoch said. “Our teams in the past have done well on the power play. We are building to get there.”

Iowa State will have to do better when perennial powerhouse Ohio University comes into town. Like the Cyclones, the Bobcats are hovering around .500 through the first portion of the season and are coming off a series split of their own on the road at Penn State.

“Ohio is a very physical team,” Murdoch said. “Their special teams are very good. They have solid defensemen and good forwards.”

The Bobcats swept the Cyclones last year in their only series. However, Iowa State achieved the upper hand when it beat Ohio in the playoffs en route to its runner-up finish.

“I hate them and I want to beat them the most,” Pascale said. “Their first line is pretty good. They are chippy and grindy. Our practices were built around their systems this week.”

Chemistry has been an issue with the Cyclones through the first several games. With so many new faces, the ability to connect on crisp passes and be in the right place at the right time has been a challenge. Murdoch has been changing up the lines trying to see what works out on the ice. Despite that, players say chemistry is only getting better.

“We’re building on it,” Flynn said. “It’s a work in progress, but we’ll get there.”

Fellow freshman Matt Rucinski, who scored the game-winner in the Cyclones’ win over the Illini on Saturday, agreed.

“They do keep changing, but we’re just trying to find the right fit,” said Rucinski.

The team will be a part of the Homecoming activities this week. The Cyclones will be appearing during the Friday pep rally, then heading off to play Ohio for the first of two this weekend.

“I’m excited to see what it is. I have no idea what to expect,” Flynn said.

Flynn and the rest of the other freshman will get their first taste of all the pageantry that Homecoming has to offer. The seniors have been through the motions, but still enjoy it.

“It’s definitely fun to do to stand up in front of the crowd,” Pascale said. “Then of course we rush over to play Friday night’s game because of the pep rally.”

Friday night is dubbed “Pink the Rink” night, to raise awareness for breast cancer. Proceeds from donations will benefit the cause, and fans are encouraged to wear pink clothing in support. As for the game itself, Murdoch stressed one key to victory this weekend.

“The team that commits the fewest errors will win,” Murdoch said. “Ohio will take advantage if you make a mistake. But our guys will give 110 percent out there. The alums will be back in the building and the crowds should be excellent.”

After the pep rally, the Cyclones take to the ice to face Ohio University at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. Saturday’s game also starts at 7:30 p.m.