While the Cyclones’ weekend series against the University of Manitoba didn’t reflect on their overall record, the experience they gained from it could help their league play as they look ahead to the University of Saint Louis this weekend.

The Bison, who play in a collegiate Canadian league equal to that of the NCAA D-I teams, handed the Cyclones a pair of losses last weekend.

With the matchup, the team got a taste of what playing at a higher level looks like.

“Everything is faster and crisper,” senior forward Pete Majkozak said. “The guys are bigger and a little bit older. It’s just an extra level of play that is stepped up a little more.”

Playing more experienced teams is something coach Al Murdoch wishes his team had the opportunity to do more often because he feels it helps his team in a number of areas like this weekend’s match against Manitoba did.

His players also relish at the opportunity to prove they can play with some of the elite teams from Canada.

“We lost both games, but I thought we played extremely well,” Murdoch said. “From my experience, when you play these Canadian teams like we have in the past, it’s not as relevant on whether you win or lose, but the games you play after it and how you learn from it. Is it bad that those guys use players that have played professionally? No, I want to play against the best and I know my players do, too.”

Iowa State’s history shows that after playing these exhibition games against Canadian opponents, they have gone on to beat Central States League and ACHA teams by double-digit margins.

Murdoch felt his team got some of the messages he and his coaching staff have been preaching all season.

“We didn’t just change out and go eat,” Murdoch said. “The team sat down with the coaching staff afterward and talked about having to skate hard all the time and accelerate when you’re moving toward the goalie.”

The Cyclones were leading the Bison at certain points of both games, even striking first blood on the first shift of the second game.

The Cyclones being able to stick with the Bisons for two-thirds of the game drew compliments from the bigger and more experienced foes. The Manitoba coach told Murdoch following the series that he felt Murdoch had an excellent team that is hard working and is considering playing the Cyclones in a rematch at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena next season.

While the Cyclones made vast improvements in skating, passing, shooting and team play, the test they faced wasn’t just a physical one.

“I think we improved upon sticking up for each other mentally,” said sophomore defenseman Brody Toigo. “Just making sure we keep each other positive on the bench. When you’re down big like that its important to stay motivated, go to out there and compete.