Last season’s 3-2 overtime loss to Penn State in the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament was definitely a heartbreaker for the ISU men’s hockey team.

But fast-forward to this year.

This time, the Cyclones won’t have to travel out of state by bus. Instead, they are hosting the 12-team tournament, which started Wednesday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Iowa State will have the opportunity again to skate against Penn State, a team that enters the tournament as the four-time defending national champion. ISU senior forward Phil Hummel said the team is excited for the opportunity to face the Nittany Lions.

“We’re already looking forward to it,” Hummel said. “The guys have got it in the back of their minds. Penn State, that’s the game we have had circled since last year. We’re out to prove something against them.”

The teams met for the first time this season in October when the Nittany Lions defeated the Cyclones 8-5 at the ACHA Division I Showcase.

In last season’s matchup, Iowa State (24-17-1-2) couldn’t protect a 2-0 lead.

“We were up 2-0 with about seven minutes left in the game, and the pucks didn’t go our way,” assistant coach Andrew Murdoch said. “That happens. They’re the four-time national champs. They know how to win the close games. So this year, it’s in our rink. It’s going to be a fun game.”

But before they get a shot at Penn State, the No. 8 seed Cyclones will go to battle with No. 12 seed Towson at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

“We don’t know a lot about Towson,” Murdoch said. “We’ve played them in the past. I know that they have a really good goaltender. They’re going to be a tough team. Everybody in the top 12 is pretty equal. Basically, if we want to get to the next round, we have to win both games, so every game is big at nationals.”

If the Cyclones want to make it to the semifinals, they must win their first two games.

Hummel said the Cyclones will have to rely on being physical if they want to win their first two games.

“Our team is geared around being physical, taking the body and outworking our opponent,” Hummel said. “That’s what we pride ourselves on and that’s what we’re going to bring to the table. If we intimidate them on our corner, there’s no way that anyone is going to want to come home with ice bags and broken legs.”

Home ice advantage will also be a plus for Iowa State. The Cyclones currently have a seven-game home winning streak when facing teams from the ACHA, outscoring their opponents 45-12.

“There’s a huge difference playing on the road in a tournament like this with the bus ride, school and missing classes,” Hummel said. “Here in front of our own fans, that’s what everyone in the locker room is talking about the most, is how the fans pack in here and cheer us on. It just gives us a huge lift. We’re unstoppable at home.”

In the Central States Collegiate Hockey League tournament, Iowa State finished in fifth place. There are four teams from the hockey league that are also in the national tournament.

Murdoch said he hopes the team can do better in nationals than in the league tournament.

“Central States is probably the toughest league in the country right now,” Murdoch said. “Central States tournament is kind of like a warmup for nationals. Fifth place is a little disappointing, so we’re looking to do better at nationals than in the Central States.”

Juniors Tom Bass, Travis Fast, Scott Hagen, Mike Moren, sophomore David Moline and freshmen Trent Baker and Griffin Gale all represented Iowa State in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League all-star game. Seven players is the most Iowa State has ever had in the game.

Murdoch said the week will be a lot easier for his team than it would be on the road.

“It’s exciting to host,” Murdoch said. “We always have a good crowd, and it’s even going to be bigger and better for nationals. It’s going to be a little easier for the guys. They can sleep in their own bed, eat what they’re use to eating and go to classes, which is good. It’s a regular week for the guys where they don’t have to go on the road on buses and hotels.”