The No.1-ranked Iowa State hockey team will have its hands full this weekend when the Cyclones go on the road to Champaign, Ill., to take on the fighting Illini.

“It’s always a great series when we play there. They sell out every game and the fans there are rabid. It will be exciting,” ISU Head Hockey Coach Al Murdoch said.

The Cyclones (21-4-3) will have to pound out a grueling doubleheader, playing Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

“That’s the way it works in hockey. It’s a unique sport in that sense. It’s just cheaper for the teams to go back-to-back,” Murdoch said.

Earlier this year, the Illini visited Ames for a doubleheader and split the series with ISU, handing the Cyclones one of their four losses. But the task may be made easier for the Cyclones due to the large skating rink on which the Illini skate.

“It’s a bigger ice surface by about 20 feet, which I think should benefit us. We are a pretty good skating team and that works well for a physical play, which is our brand of hockey. But you never know when you play down there. They’re the spoilers, and they have a lot to play for. This will be their last chance to try to break the top 10,” Murdoch said.

Physical play is also a trademark of Illinois’ brand of hockey. With the National Invitational Tournament looming in the future, Illinois needs a win over ISU to have a shot at the tournament.

While Illinois will attempt to use a rough brand of hockey to neutralize the Cyclones, Murdoch said the Cyclones will not change their style and will rely on solid defense, especially from ISU junior goalie Rob Howitt.

“Our brand of hockey is very physical. We play a very solid NHL-style defense. We’ll have to keep them down to eight shots or less on our goal and we can’t allow any rebounds. We’re expecting Rob to keep up his excellent goalie play. Rob has been tremendous. I think another year in the organization and he should be ready for the NHL. I really think so,” Murdoch said.

The Cyclones will also rally with an offense that has scored in excess of 20 points this season against Kansas.

“Our offense is averaging 10.2 points per game. That’s the highest it’s ever been at ISU. That is incredible for a hockey club,” Murdoch said.

A big reason for that is the play of seniors Doug Borud and Sean Weaver.

“They both have been phenomenal. I think they both have pro-potential as well,” Murdoch said.

If the Cyclones do come away with a sweep they won’t have too much time to celebrate with North Dakota State coming to Ames on Feb. 7-8.

“That will be another tough one. North Dakota State has won the NCAA six out of the last 10 years. They are also very similar to us. They’re physical and their fast,” Murdoch said.