The American Collegiate Hockey Association has started a new tradition this year with the inaugural season of its women’s hockey division. Fifteen universities are taking part in the new league, including Iowa State.”Last year, we were in the Midwest Collegiate Women’s Hockey League,” said head coach Eric Ludes. “It wasn’t as organized and the competition wasn’t as stiff.”So far this season, the ‘Clones have played teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado. “It brings us more competition and more opportunities to expand our club,” said sophomore forward Toni Guidarelli. “I don’t think a lot of people on campus know about us, so it’s hard when we don’t get as much publicity as we want.”This year has been fairly tough for the team, but hopes are high that this young squad will be a nucleus for the future.”We’re just being patient,” said freshman goalkeeper April Lahman. “Whatever team wants to play us, we’re more than happy to play them.” Sophomore forward Kati Ogren said this year has been a rebuilding season because the team lost a lot of seniors last year.”Working with old and new talent has been a bit of a struggle,” said Ogren, “but it’s getting better now that the season is half over and it’s a little easier to play now.”In only its fifth year of existence, the ISU women’s hockey squad is still coming into their own.”We’re getting a reputation that there is hockey here at Iowa State,” Ludes said. “We have a lot of good players and I think hockey in Iowa is really coming along. I think we’re just a couple of years behind.”The current Cyclones also had some choice words for future hockey players that are starting to learn about the game.”Don’t get too frustrated,” Lahman said. “Have lots of fun out there and keep your head up.””I started out as a figure skater, saw the boys beating up on each other, and thought it was more fun than figure skating,” Ogren said. “I thought after high school I was done, but I got here, found some great teammates, and I’ve had fun ever since. Knowing that I can play for my school in a sport that I love is really fun for me.”