The ISU men’s hockey club got its season off to a fast start by sweeping the Twin Bridges Lightning in two games this weekend.

After some bus trouble and an 80-minute delay, Friday’s game was controlled from start to finish by the Cyclones.

Tim O’Shea scored the team’s first goal of the season just minutes into the game.

With less than five minutes left in the first period, freshman Mike Paulsen scored his first goal as a Cyclone.

The Cyclone domination continued in the second period when senior Brent Popadych scored two goals and Travis Fast added the team’s fifth goal of the contest.

The scoring was complete when sophomore Jason Brown scored six minutes into the third period, giving Iowa State a 6-0 win.

Sophomore goalie Trent Baker recorded his first win of the season, stopping all 15 Lightning shots in the shutout.

“It was nice to get out and shake the rust off,” Baker said. “It’s always nice getting six goals and good defense in front of you.”

The game was physical, especially in the third period.

Numerous penalties were called on both sides.

Three players were ejected for rough play.

“We really love physical play; it pumps us up,” Popadych said.

Saturday night’s game was closer, but the end result was the same.

After a scoreless first period, the Cyclones put the puck in first when Mike Sueker scored, giving the Cyclones a 1-0 lead.

After the Lightning tied the game, the Cyclones scored two goals in just over a minute, giving the Cyclones a 3-1 lead.

The Lightning added a second goal in the third, but the Cyclone defense and goaltending held on for a 3-2 win.

Popadych said the series “brought the team together.”

“It feels good to get out and get two big wins,” Popadych said.

Head coach Alan Murdoch, who now is just five wins shy of 800 for his career, said he was content with the way his team performed this weekend.

“I’m really pleased with my team’s play; this was a great opening series for us,” Murdoch said.

Murdoch said he was very pleased with the balanced scoring and goaltending the Cyclones showed.

The weekend’s games were a good test leading into next weekend’s series with Lindenwood University, Murdoch said.