Two ISU men’s hockey club players, as well as head coach Alan Murdoch, have been selected to represent Iowa State and Team USA in the 2005 Winter World University Games.

Seniors David Moline and Scott Hagen have been chosen to participate in the games, which started Wednesday and will run until Jan. 22 in Innsbrook, Austria.

The two players had to file an application just for an opportunity to try out.

After being accepted for a tryout, they traveled to St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn., in early August for the official audition.

Seventy-one players from 10 different American Collegiate Hockey Association schools tried out, with the top 22 qualifying for Team USA.

Both players said it was a tremendous honor to be selected from such a good crop of players.

“It’s always been a dream for me to represent Team USA, and it feels especially good to do it while also representing Iowa State,” Moline said.

Hagen agreed.

“It’s always been a life long dream for me too, and I can’t wait to get to play with the elite of the USA, and for that matter, the elite of the world,” Hagen said.

Murdoch was asked to be the team’s general manager. He was head coach of the 2003 team that participated in Italy.

Murdoch said he loves representing the school and the United States.

“I’ve had players on each of the World University Games teams, and it makes me really proud to see my players out there representing our program and our country,” Murdoch said.

The three made their way to Washington last Friday and held team practices there through Tuesday.

They then flew to Innsbrook on Wednesday for the games.

Things won’t be easy though, as Team USA drew Austria, the host team, in the first round. Austria beat the United States 8-1 in the first preliminary of the games.

The United States has been picked by some to be in the middle of the pack, and all three Cyclones agreed their first goal is to advance to the medal round.

“We got in a pretty good pool with good teams, but our goal is to get to the medal round. After that, anything can happen,” Hagen said.

Twelve teams will be participating, with six of those qualifying for the medal round.

“No matter what happens, this is a great opportunity for us to represent our school and our program. We have a good program and are recognized as winners wherever we go. This will just add to that reputation,” Murdoch said.