Cyclone Hockey gets a break from their tough schedule this weekend when they play host to ACHA Division 2 University of Minnesota.

After playing 11 of their last 13 games against teams ranked No. 16 or higher and winning the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Tournament, the No. 6 Cyclones (29-8-2) will take on Minnesota (10-9-3) in their final home series of the season.

The Cyclones have seen four victories in their four games against Division 2 teams this season, scoring 34 goals in the process (8.5 ppg).

Minnesota’s mediocre record in Division 2 may suggest an easy weekend for the Cyclones, but they don’t want to take the Gophers lightly.

“There’s still a challenge for us,” said defenseman Adam Mueller. “You can’t let up any weekend. Whether it’s last weekend at the conference tournament or here this weekend, practices are still fast-paced and everybody is working really hard.”

The Gophers are winless in two tries against ACHA Division 1 teams this season, and are coming off a 10-4 loss to Saint Cloud State University in the WCHA Tournament final last weekend. The loss against SCSU broke Minnesota’s previous streak, in which they played seven games without a loss.

This series will also be the last opportunity for the Cyclones to see action on the ice before they head to Youngstown, Ohio, for the ACHA National Tournament on March 1 to 4.

“You hate to look beyond this weekend,” said coach Al Murdoch. “We’re really excited about the tournament, but the team is still focused on Minnesota, even if they are a Division 2 team.”

Friday night will mark the final home game for seniors Trent Baker and Jason Brown, as they will be headed to Champaign, Ill., on Saturday night to play in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League All-Star Game.

Friday’s game is also “Guaranteed Win Night,” so a Cyclone loss means free Taco John’s coupons to everyone in attendance.

“Opposing teams usually don’t like us for making a statement like this,” Murdoch said. “But the fans really enjoy it and we draw pretty good crowds.”

Four other seniors – Matt McLin, Rob Tauer, Mike Paulsen and Geoff Miller – play their final home game on Saturday.