In only his second season, goalkeeper Matt Johnson has given a consistent effort in front of the net for Cyclone Hockey.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 175-pound sophomore from Edina, Minn., has primarily split time with junior Trent Baker guarding the net for the Cyclones.

The two have combined to form a dynamic duo whose excellent goaltending has led Cyclone Hockey to an 8-2 start.

Johnson himself is 3-1 with one shutout on the young season.

He has saved 158 shots while allowing only 13 goals, giving him a save percentage of 92.4.

He was the Player of the Week against Eastern Michigan University after saving 31 shots and allowing only one goal, en route to the Cyclones’ 3-1 victory.

Before this past weekend’s road trip, in which the Cyclones dropped a pair of games against Ohio University, 5-3 and 6-3, Johnson got on the hot seat for a session of 20 questions.

You were Player of the Week against Eastern Michigan, how does that feel?

“It feels good. I mean, you work hard during the week, and to get that, that’s a pretty big honor.”

What’s the best part of goaltending?

“A lot of the game is basically on your shoulders. I mean, you control winning and losing, and a lot of it is you. But I guess a lot of it is also the team, too.”

What’s the hardest part of goaltending?

“I would say the mental concentration. Especially the games that have low shot numbers.”

Do you have a favorite National Hockey League team?

“The [New Jersey] Devils.”

Do you have a favorite player?

“Marty Brodeur [goalie for the Devils].”

Who has better dance moves: Michael Jackson or Coach [Al] Murdoch?

“Uhh … I’d say Coach Murdoch.”

Any particular reason you’re a goalie?

“Um, I guess my reflexes and my body type are set up to be a goalie.”

Who’s the toughest team you’ll play this season?

“I would say either Illinois or Ohio.”

Who’s the best dressed player on the team?

“I would say Jason Brown.”

Could you have gone any place else to play hockey?

“Uh, yeah. I had a lot of options for juniors, but they didn’t really work out or they didn’t really appeal to me.”

What made you decide to come to Iowa State then?

“I decided to go to school. Then this opportunity for hockey came up, so I choose Iowa State for school and hockey.”

Three traits you need to be a successful goalie.

“I think you need mental toughness, quickness and good vision.”

Mighty Ducks [movie] one, two or three?

“I would say the first one.”

What’s the biggest game you have ever played in?

“The Section Finals in high school against our biggest rivals.”

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

“I try not to. Usually I listen to the same type of music, and try to do everything at the same time like eating meals and stuff.”

Welcome to McDonald’s, my name is Chris. May I take your order?

“I’ll take a No. 5 [Big N’ Tasty].”

Who’s the one guy on the team you wouldn’t want to be hit by?

“Zach Hargis.”

If you could have a song played when you skated onto the ice, what would it be?

“Probably a Metallica song – maybe ‘Enter Sandman.'”

Say you get hit by an opposing player. Who’s the first guy there to defend you?

“Any of the defensemen; they always have my back first.”

What’s your favorite moment since being a part of Cyclone Hockey?

“I would say Nationals last year, even though we didn’t do so hot. It was still a good opportunity to make it to the big tournament.”

The Cyclones will try and get back to their winning ways when they face off against Texas Tech on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. both nights at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.