A change of scenery couldn’t keep Cyclone Hockey from sweeping its third opponent in a row over the weekend.

Playing the first game of the doubleheader in 95 KGGO Arena in Des Moines on Saturday, the twelfth-ranked Cyclones posted a 9-4 decision over No. 21 University of Michigan-Dearborn. The Cyclones play several of their home games each year in Des Moines to promote the team and create opportunities for the players to be seen throughout the area, coach Al Murdoch said.

“It’s a bit of nostalgia for the old coach,” Murdoch said. “It’s where Cyclone Hockey began, down in Des Moines. We get support from businesses in the area and it’s nice to be able to show our appreciation for their support.”

Returning home Sunday afternoon to play the second game, Iowa State was able to fend off the Wolves in a close 5-4 victory. Despite limiting Dearborn to less than 10 shots in the first two periods, the Cyclones were unable to pull away from the scrappy visitors, often relying on long-range shots from the blue line.

“We didn’t capitalize like we did last night,” said sophomore forward Pete Majkozak. “They adjusted and were forcing us down low, the defense had more room to shoot from up top.”

Leading 5-2 late in the second period, Iowa State seemed to have things under control but surrendered a goal with 14 seconds left before heading to the locker room for the break. The Wolves were able to tack on another goal midway through the third to create a tense last few minutes.

During one frantic assault by Dearborn, goaltender Christian Johansson had his stick knocked out of his hand across the ice and was forced to make do with a defenseman’s stick until he could retrieve his own.

Playing with a sense of urgency the Cyclones were able to survive the flurry of shots put forth by the desperate visiting team.

“We’re playing a lot better defensively,” Majkozak said. “Our power play is finally clicking too, which is huge. It makes a big difference getting those couple power play goals a game.”

Iowa State started the season dropping their first two series against two teams currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in the American Collegiate Hockey Association standings.

“The key to our success is that we’ve stopped being youthful,” Murdoch said. “We have a good sense of maturity now that wasn’t there at the beginning of the year. It’s a good feeling to have and I think this team feeds on success so I expect it to continue.”