The American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament begins this weekend, and that means the national championship is only four wins away for Iowa State and 15 other teams.

After falling short in the race for the regular season title, the Cyclones lost out in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Tournament Championship game — now, they are hoping that the third time at a championship will be the charm.

The Cyclones will open up the tournament on Saturday as the No. 6 seed. They will square off against the #11 seed West Chester, a team they beat during the Navy Thanksgiving Tournament, 7-1. Coach Al Murdoch believes that despite the score from the first game, West Chester is playing better hockey.

“I think they’ll be a little sharper now than they were during Thanksgiving. I think that maybe they hadn‘t skated much prior to Thanksgiving break,” Murdoch said. “At the same time, I think we are playing better now than we were at Thanksgiving.”

For most of the team the experience of playing in a national tournament is nothing new. Junior defenseman Adam Mueller for example, has not only played in a national tournament but just recently played in the World University Games. An experience that Mueller said will help while playing in the championship atmosphere.

“The university games were a great opportunity because that was probably some of the best players I’ve ever played against,” Mueller said. “Trying to carry that momentum over to nationals is definitely a goal of mine. Playing at a high level, everything up there is faster and everybody’s stronger so if you can play that way here too then you’re going to have that much more of an advantage.”

For some players however, like first year player Derek Behrman, the experience of playing in the ACHA National Tournament will be a new one. Despite the obvious nervous feelings that Behrman may have, his approach to this upcoming week will be no different.

“I’m just making sure I do the right things on the ice,” Behrman said. “I’m making sure I’m coming to practice with the right attitude. I’m just trying to work on the little things that could be the difference between winning and losing. At that level, all the teams are going to be pretty good so it’s going to come down to who’s ready to go and gives the best effort.”

Going into the tournament, the Cyclones understand that the mental preparation will be just as important as the physical aspect. Because the team is so young, it is no surprise that a few of the older players have stepped in and taken charge to get the team focused.

“The seniors and juniors have taken the reins of the team,” said junior forward Brian Spring. “We just show that practice is going to be the same, even though it’s going to be a little faster paced, we’re still handling ourselves the same in the locker room, and having fun still and just working together. A tournament like this will bring us even closer together for years to come.”

Every player for Iowa State hopes to close out the season on a high note. That means winning a national championship — a goal that every player agrees would be a satisfying way to end the season.

“You always dream when you’re a kid of winning a national championship no matter what level you’re playing in,” Mueller said. “It would be a huge accomplishment for me and everybody. College is a different experience — you’re not rotating in different guys constantly every year. You have a core group of kids here and you’re with them for three or four years and to win with them, that’s the greatest opportunity.”