Cyclone Hockey is coming off a successful weekend that saw them sweep Minot State. The Cyclones won the first game 3-1 and won the second game 3-2 in overtime, improving their record to 7-3 on the season and earning the No. 5 spot in the first computer-generated ACHA Men’s Division I Rankings.

But the Cyclones face another challenge as they hit the road to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to face the No. 7 University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos. The Bronchos are coming off a successful weekend themselves, sweeping Arizona State 5-1 and 3-0, improving their record to 8-4 and earning the No. 7 spot in the rankings.

The Cyclones haven’t traveled much so far in the season, and they haven’t found much success when they have, with a record of 0-2 on the road. The Bronchos, on the other hand, have a 6-0 record at home, but their home winning streak doesn’t intimidate the Cyclones.

“I think the older guys know what we’re getting into playing against UCO. They’ve been a top team for how many years now, so you know it’s going to be a tough weekend,” said senior defenseman Nick Sandy. “As far as their undefeated record at home, it’s the first I’ve heard of it, and to be honest, I’d like to be the first one to put a couple losses on it.”

The Cyclones have played one road game — against Waldorf University in a non-ACHA matchup — which they won, but the result doesn’t count towards their record. They more recently played in a road series against the newly No. 1 ranked Lindenwood Lions, losing both games.

Despite losing both of the road games against Lindenwood, the Cyclones were able to take away some good lessons.

“Lindenwood just got the new No. 1 ranking, so playing the No. 1 ranked team on the road early in the season was kind of a wake-up call,” said senior forward Trevor Sabo. “Plus it was our first conference game, but I think we’ve settled in. I think we’re going to be just fine going into UCO.”

The penalty kill against Minot State was a huge factor during both games. The Cyclone defense went a perfect 6-for-6 on the penalty kill between both games. They killed off two penalties on Friday and killed off four penalties on Saturday, one of which was killed during overtime.

“When your penalty kill is playing well like ours is, and has so far this year, it certainly helps with team confidence that if you do get a penalty, that’s not going to be an automatic goal, that teams have to work on their power play,” said coach and general manager Jason Fairman. “I’ve been pleased with the PK this year.”

The Cyclones moving up in the rankings from No. 9 to No. 5 has provided an extra boost in confidence to the team heading into their weekend against the Bronchos. However, the Cyclones know that they can’t take their foot off the gas pedal after being placed in the top five.

“It’s something that you got to prove that’s what you deserve now it’s computer rankings relative to coaches ranking,” Fairman said. “We like to be in the top five or better all year, but that’ll have to be earned every week.”