Nearly eight months ago, the ISU hockey team stood poised to capture the ACHA national title. The Cyclones came up short losing the final 5-1 to the Ohio University Bobcats and finished a remarkable season with a 30-8-2 mark.

“A lot of us have thought about that day all summer,” ISU defenseman Bob Dressel said. “It’s been eight months of carrying that loss around.”

ISU hosts the Bobcats this Saturday at the Ames ISU Ice Arena marking the only regular season meeting between the two perennial ACHA powerhouses.

OU has returned this season as the team to beat according to ISU Head Coach Al Murdoch.

“They have four good balanced lines, an excellent deep defense and solid goaltending,” Murdoch said.

Another key to the Bobcats success is knowledge and experience behind the bench in Head Coach Craig McCarthy.

“Ohio University has the benefit of some of the best coaching in the country,” Murdoch said.

The two teams match up well as the scouting report on each sounds nearly identical. The Cyclones have one of their deepest teams ever, getting goals from all lines on a regular basis, a luxury ISU didn’t have at last year’s national tournament.

The Cyclones also have the advantage of one of the nation’s best netminders, Rob Howitt. Howitt owns a 10-1-2 record overall, a save percentage of .901 and a 2.40 goals against average. The Manitoba native has also registered three shutouts.

Howitt fully appreciates the importance of Saturday’s showdown.

“It’s going to be a tough weekend for sure,” Howitt said. “This game will set the tone for the rankings.”

Forward Chris Poli agreed saying that Saturday’s contest will be the highlight of the regular season.

“This is our biggest game of the season until nationals,” Poli said. “It will definitely be our biggest test.”

The Cyclones wrapped up Thanksgiving break by defeating number three ranked Penn State 3-2 to capture the Chicago Classic title and gather momentum heading into this weekend’s games.

“We’re really focused right now,” forward Sean Weaver said. Weaver, a senior from Baldwinsville, New York, reflected many of the Cyclones’ views from last season’s disappointing finale. “We owe them, definitely,” Weaver said.

Last year’s tournament was held in OU’s home rink and according to the Cyclone players that was a key factor that they hope to turn to their advantage this time around.

“When we played them last year, we came out of the dressing room to see this sea of green (OU’s team color). The place was absolutely packed,” Weaver said. “We need a sea of red out there this time. We’re trying to get everyone who comes out to wear RED!”

Murdoch said that the crowd factor will be crucial.

“We need people hanging from the rafters,” Murdoch said. “An enthusiastic huge crowd could add one or two goals for us easily. This will be some great hockey.”

The Cyclones open this weekend’s action Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Kent State. Although Saturday’s game is the marquee match up, Murdoch and the Cyclones are not taking Kent State lightly.

“They’re the most improved team in the league,” Murdoch said. “They’ve got some sharpshooters who can put the puck in the net and they have a tough defense as well.”

Saturday’s action will determine who holds the top ranking as teams head into the holiday break marking the conclusion of the first half of the season. “It will definitely be a clash of the titans,” Murdoch said.