The No. 10 ISU men’s hockey club will kick off its home spring schedule by hosting No. 15 Kent State University.

The Cyclones are back in Ames for the first time since early December, returning home after a tough series last weekend at No. 6 Minot State. After a long layoff for winter break, Iowa State came out slow in the first game against Minot State and lost 6-2.

The Cyclones rebounded for the second game, earning a 5-5 tie. The tie improves their chances in making the American Collegiate Hockey Association tournament at the end of the season. The top 16 teams qualify.

Iowa State is one of seven members of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League to be ranked in the top 15 in the ACHA standings, which also includes Kent State. The team knows this series is important for them to ensure a spot in the tournament.

Assistant coach Andrew Hancock will be filling in for head coach Alan Murdoch, who is in Austria at the World University Games.

“This is a big series for us, we know this series could play a big role for us, to make sure we are where we want to be [ACHA Tournament] come March,” Hancock said.

The team will also be without seniors David Moline and Scott Hagen, who are with Murdoch competing in the World University Games.

“It will be tough without those two guys there, but I know Hancock will have the team ready, and this will give younger players a chance to step up,” Murdoch said before leaving.

Hagen is confident the team can play well, even without their coach and two of their stars.

“It’ll be tough not being there to play with the guys, but I know they’ll take care of business while we’re gone, and when we come back we’ll be ready to go,” Hagen said.

Kent State will be looking to make a statement as well, so the Cyclones hope to be prepared.

The Golden Flashes play a fast-paced, hard-hitting style of hockey. The Cyclones feel they can match this style, and both of these teams are trying to secure a postseason birth.

Both games will be played at the Ames/ISU Ice arena. Friday’s game starts at 7 p.m., and Saturday’s begins at 2 p.m.