From here on out, it’s a one game season for the Cyclone Hockey team. A do-or-die situation where one small mistake or missed opportunity could mean the end of the season.

The No. 6 Cyclones (31-8-2) will hit the ice for the final time this season when they travel to Youngstown, Ohio, for the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament from Feb. 28 to March 4.

“We have to take everything one step at a time,” said sophomore Mike Murtaugh. “If we don’t give it all we’ve got for the whole game, the season may be over.”

The Cyclones are making their 16th consecutive appearance in the tournament, which is tied with No. 15 Michigan-Dearborn for the longest active streak in the nation.

Since hoisting the Easton Cup as champions of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Tournament two weekends ago, the Cyclones have been patiently waiting to take their success one step further.

“We are definitely peaking at the right time,” said senior Rob Tauer, who will play in his fourth and final ACHA National Tournament. “Everybody is in great shape, has a lot of confidence, and as a team, we feel and look as good as I’ve seen over the last four years.”

The Cyclones will carry a nine-game winning streak into Wednesday night’s game, when they play the opening round game against No. 11 West Chester University (24-7-1).

The Golden Rams have only lost three times in 22 games since the beginning of November, once to No. 1 Penn State, and twice to No. 4 Rhode Island, including a 3-1 loss in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association Conference Tournament final on Feb. 18. They also defeated both of those teams once in that time period.

The Cyclones have also found a groove after a rocky start to the season, going 23-5-1 in that same four-month stretch.

“We’ve really started to come together as a team,” Murtaugh said. “Everybody is doing the little things right. Whether it’s blocking shots, battling for the puck or making hits, everyone is doing their job and doing it well.”

Much of the credit for the Cyclones’ recent hot streak can be given to senior goaltender Trent Baker, who has sizzled since Jan. 12, giving up just 28 goals in his last 13 appearances for a 2.31 goals against average.

“You have to ride the horse while he’s hot,” Murtaugh said. “Success starts with a good goaltender and Baker has been playing absolutely phenomenal lately.”

The Cyclones have also seen improvement in the offensive zone, averaging seven goals during their nine games in the month of February. The offense will be tested by West Chester freshman goaltender Corey Hackney, who boasts a 2.25 goals against average and two shutouts this season.

“We can’t be worried about what other teams are doing,” Murtaugh said. “We’re really focused on taking care of things on our side of the ice, and if we do what we’re capable of doing, we’re going to be in great shape.”

For the first time this season, the ACHA National Tournament will have a live video broadcast for each of its games on the Internet. For more information on webcasts, game times and other tournament information, visit www.achahockey.org.