Strong leadership and solid play from some key underclassmen led the Cyclones hockey team to a sweep of Missouri.

Friday’s game consisted of a strong second period en route to a 6-2 victory, while Saturday’s game proved to be a coming out party for junior forward Derek Behrman as he scored three goals for a hat trick and led Iowa State to a 7-3 win.

Despite Iowa State outscoring Missouri 13-5 in the series, coach Al Murdoch was still impressed by Missouri.

“I knew it was going to be a tough series,” Murdoch said. “They played 6 competitive periods, we got a few lucky bounces in there and that led to the sweep.”  

Junior defenseman Brent Cornelius was impressed with the young Cyclones hockey team.

“I think our offense is looking real good out there,” Cornelius said. “A lot of moving the puck, we had goals from every single line. We had great play from all our goalies; I think it will be a battle for playing time between all goalies as well as forwards and defensemen.”

Murdoch said how important leadership is for this young Iowa State team. He felt that Cornelius and fellow junior defenseman Adam Mueller have successfully filled the leadership role as co-captains.

“They’re showing great leadership out there, both on and off the ice,” Murdoch said.

Cornelius knows from experience how important it is to win the season opening series. He believes the team can take a lot from this weekend.

“It’s always good to get [the first win] out of the way,” Cornelius said. “We have quite a few young guys and a veteran class that has been helping them along the way. We just need to work on some of the little things, but other than that it was very important.”

 Behrman said the Cyclones were able to play more aggressively Saturday night since they were already acquainted with Missouri’s style of play from the previous night.

“Overall, we went out there and played aggressive,” Behrman said. “We played hard, hit hard and worked hard, and played aggressively.”

Behrman also thought this first series was a good indication of what the team needs to work on to get better and to be a contender.

“I think some guys, who hadn’t played much before, got their feet wet,” Behrman said. “We found some things we can work on. As we start practicing more I’m sure we’ll come together and be more polished for next week.”

Murdoch said the depth and raw talent the team displayed against Missouri weekend will be able to send them far into the postseason.

“We want to be in the Final Four,” Murdoch said. “Not only in the Final Four, but we want to be in the championship game this year and bring home the trophy and be the ACHA National Champions.”