The 1996-97 Iowa State Hockey team has worked itself into a most prestigious position. By defeating Ohio University just before Christmas break, 8-5, the Cyclones have captured the No.1-ranking in the country.

“The Ohio game was the turning point for us. Ohio was two-time defending national champions. So to get a win over them was big,” ISU Head Hockey Coach Al Murdoch said.

“The crowd that came out for the game was excellent. I figured they gave us a two-goal advantage. They were hanging from the rafters,” he added. “It’s a close first place lead. Ohio is right behind us.”

The Cyclones came back with a vengeance against the University of Kansas, racking up a school record 24-3 victory on Sunday.

Kansas took the whipping to heart and forfeited the second game, leaving the Cyclones with an official 1-0 victory.

The first-ranked Cyclones’ record now stands at 17-4-3 overall.

So how does the the No.1 ranking effect the Cyclones?

According to Murdoch, his team can handle it.

“It was different last year. We upset Penn State and the University of Arizona to get to the Championship against Ohio where we lost. So we sort of snuck in there. I think some teams sort of overlooked us. We can’t hide now. We can’t sneak in. Everyone knows that we are the team to shoot for,” Murdoch said.

“We know the other teams are trying to knock us off. We’ll be the big game. The players no that we won’t have an easy game form here on. They know how hard it’s going to get,” Murdoch said.

Murdoch added that his preseason goals were high, but the No.1 ranking was a stretch in his mind.

“I knew at the beginning of the year that we had a good team. You also want to be in the top 10. I thought the top three would be great. To be on top was a stretch, so this is great,” Murdoch said.

The Cyclones will defend their No.1 ranking on Friday and Saturday at the ISU Ice Arena against eighth-ranked Colorado. Both games will start at 7:30 p.m.

“This should be a great conference match up. It should be a packed house,” Murdoch said.