Senior Mike Lebler scored a shorthanded goal and goaltender Erik Hudson stopped all 29 shots as the Iowa State Cyclones shut out the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos 4-0, giving Iowa State the series sweep.

The senior net-minder was named ISU player of the week after allowing three goals over two games for the Cyclones.

“It was our first real test of the season and I thought we responded really well,” said Hudson. “Our defenseman battled hard tonight, and I give them a lot of the credit for the win.”

Both goalies played well in the first period, as the game stayed scoreless. Each team had chances to score but couldn’t convert. The Cyclones had a chance when freshman James Werner carried the puck left side and tried to wrap around the net, but instead ended up centering it, allowing the Bronchos to deny the chance. The fast, physical play favored Iowa State, as they won the possession battle.

“I was really pleased to see us come out hard in the first,” said senior captain Cort Bulloch. “We let them know we were there.”

The game stayed scoreless until late in the second period, when Cyclone freshman Jake Flynn connected on a power-play goal for his third goal of the series. Flynn received a cross-ice pass from Mike Lebler and fired from the right point. The puck found its way into the back of the net for the game’s first goal and the eventual game-winner.

Less than a minute later, Brian Rooney deflected a Matt Bennett shot to the left side of the net to put the Cyclones up by two heading into the third. Iowa State improved as the game went on, playing more of the physical, fast play seen in the first period.

The Cyclones quickly added to their lead in the third. After a long offensive ISU attack, Bulloch found himself in front of the net. A shot rebounded right to him, and Bulloch gathered the puck and lifted it top corner for the goal.

Iowa State completed the scoring for the night when Lebler scored shorthanded. After being denied on a breakaway, Lebler stayed with the puck in the zone. Eventually, Lebler received a pass from Derek Kohles and wristed it past the UCO goaltender.

The Cyclones completed the sweep of the Bronchos thanks in large part to the play of Hudson in net.

“Our goaltending was outstanding,” said head coach Al Murdoch. “He’s playing like I wanted seniors to play. He was very solid tonight.”

The captain also knew Hudson was on his game.

“He’s very strong with the puck,” Bulloch said. “I really thought he showed his veteran leadership tonight. I’m happy that he’s back in the lineup.”

The Cyclones welcome the Sooners of Oklahoma next weekend for Family Weekend. The first game is Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.