As the Cyclones reach the home stretch of the season, they are starting to feel the effects of a long season of a physical sport.

Going into Saturday’s game against Western Michigan, senior forward Bill Adolph and junior forward Derek Behrman were out due to injuries: Adolph with a separated shoulder and Behrman with an injury to the muscles above his ribs.

During the Cyclones’ series with the Broncos over the weekend in which Iowa State swept, 4-1 on Friday and 3-0 on Saturday, sophomore forward Josh Rahme re-injured the shoulder that had been separated for about two months just one game after his return to the line-up.

Sophomore forward Chris Mackay joined the injured list when he took a huge hit into the boards, severely injuring a tendon in his left leg.

With the number of players missing time, it became more important than ever that the Cyclones continue to show their depth like they did against Western Michigan.

Murdoch also brought up the importance of the teams depth, considering the fact that the team is somewhat banged up.

“I think the depth is pretty important. We’re a hard-practicing team and we practice with 27 guys and we feel the depth is something that is helping us a lot.”

The Cyclones will lose three more players in February to the World University games, so it is imperative the injured players are healthy by then to avoid creating an even bigger hole.

Junior forward Brad Krueger thinks the depth has allowed the team to keep rolling through this stretch.

“Were a little banged up right now and we have some guys that have been stepping in and playing some roles and its working out well for us so far, so hopefully we can keep it going,” Krueger said.