It has been three seasons and 13 matchups since the ISU Men’s Ice Hockey Team last beat the University of Illinois, but it gets its chance to end the streak this weekend.

“They’re our biggest rival, and the atmosphere is always the best when we play them,” said team captain David Moline, one of three seniors who has yet to beat Illinois. “We haven’t been able to come out with a win, and that’s been pretty disappointing. That’s something that I really want to do.”

Unlike Moline and other seniors, freshman Mike Murtaugh looks at the rivalry with a fresh perspective, but he too has an understanding of the magnitude of the game.

“I think it would be something special for us, but I think it’s definitely something more special for the three seniors,” Murtaugh said. “I know it would be a big accomplishment for them.”

In addition to personal interests and bragging rights, the team has much more at stake. They are ranked fifth behind No. 4 Illinois in the American College Hockey Association rankings for the ACHA National Tournament.

With a sweep this weekend, Cyclone Hockey should put itself in position to overtake Illinois, depending on how the rankings pan out. Rankings are done by all the coaches, and take place following this weekend.

A sweep also would propel Cyclone Hockey past Illinois to guarantee a second place finish in the Central States College Hockey League standings, as well as the No. 2 seed in the CSCHL tournament.

Although the team stands a good chance of improving in the rankings, they are focusing on the confidence they would gain with wins against Illinois.

“Just having a win over a top-four team is a confidence thing more so than a ranking thing,” Moline said. “I think it would be good for our overall team confidence, and a good boost going into nationals.”

Moline said he feels this might be the team to break through and finally knock off its rival.

“I think we’ve got more scoring, we’ve played tough competition and we’ve been used to winning,” Moline said. “I think this is definitely the team that can do it.”

Cyclone Hockey has a variety of advantages that should improve its chance of winning. The team comes into the series red-hot and full of momentum, having gone 7-0-1 in its last eight games.

In comparison, the once-No. 1 Illinois has shown it is no longer as invincible as the team seemed to be early in the season. Illinois was undefeated as it headed into Winter Break, but then hit a five-game skid, which gave opponents a feeling they could compete with the defending national champions.

Illinois has since rebounded, rattling off five consecutive wins.

“They’re back winning again,” said coach Alan Murdoch. “I think they’re back to where they were before Christmas, so we’re not going to underestimate them at all.”

In a series that holds great meaning, Murdoch said he has high expectations for the upcoming weekend.

“It’s by no means the end of the season, which is kind of what it’s going to be like at nationals,” Murdoch said. “If you lose there, you don’t have a shot at the championship. We’re not playing for the championship this weekend, but I think we’re going to be playing like it is.”

Cyclone Hockey takes on Illinois at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.