After a sweep against the University of Alabama last Friday and Saturday night, Cyclone Hockey looks to take on their next challenge in Wentzville, Missouri against Lindenwood University this Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend marks the first two league games, as Cyclone Hockey and Lindenwood are in the CSCHL, or Central States Collegiate Hockey League.

“We’ve always had real competitive games with [Lindenwood],” said head coach and general manager Jason Fairman. “They’re well coached, I have a lot of respect for their team and their coach.”

The Cyclones and Lindenwood are both 4-0 to start the season, so it will certainly be a good matchup.

Going into this weekend, the Cyclones will have to take some of their positives from last weekend, and carry them into this weekend against a tough opponent.

“I thought we stuck with our system and brought a lot of energy [last weekend], and we really want to bring that into Lindenwood, especially on the road,” said senior defenseman Nick Sandy. “We’ve got a pretty good rivalry with them, so it’s exciting to get back into a really competitive CSCHL game.”

In last year’s regular season, two of the four games needed extra minutes, so it is safe to say the two teams will be tested this weekend.

The Cyclones were also tested in Friday and Saturday’s games against the University of Alabama, so the Cyclones know what they’re up against, and what they need to do.

“It’s important that a team is tested early in the season, before you start playing some of the top teams,” Fairman said.

This weekend not only marks the first league games, but also the first real road trip of the season.

The team made the trip to Albert Lea, Minnesota on September 22, for the second half of a home-and-home series against Waldorf, but this will be the first two-game road trip, and players are looking forward to it.

“Getting on the bus, just being with the guys for an entire weekend, it’s a lot of fun,” said senior forward Tony Uglem. “We’ll all get to know each other a little better, so that will be good for us.”

Saturday’s game will take place at 7 pm, and Sunday’s game at 2 pm, both at Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Missouri.

Cyclones Hockey has a big weekend ahead of them, but they’re ready for it.

“Going into Lindenwood is never easy, but it’s an opportunity, as much as it is a challenge,” Sandy said. “We’re looking forward to that.”