After a weekend split against Ohio University, Cyclone Hockey faces its next challenge against Minot State Friday and Saturday night at Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

Last Friday, the Cyclones suffered a 4-1 loss against a tough Ohio team but turned it around in Saturday night’s game, winning 5-3.

Coaches and players know what they need to do in order to get the outcome they want this weekend against Minot State.

“I thought we battled, we competed on Saturday night,” said head coach and general manager Jason Fairman. “And I think that’s what we’re going to have to do, game in and game out, to be successful this year.”

The Cyclones battled back from a two-goal deficit against Ohio on Saturday night and did the same against the University of Alabama on Oct. 5.

They have proven they can do it, but starting the game off well will help the Cyclones a great deal.  

“I think just having a better start, not coming out flat on Friday and digging ourselves a hole,” said senior forward Adam Alcott. “If we can get a full 60 minutes instead of just playing the last 50, we have a chance to beat anybody.”

Cyclone Hockey has had a tough strength of schedule for multiple years now, playing top-ranked team after top-ranked team.

While it may be difficult, it also helps give the team the right mindset for how they want to play their game throughout the season.

“They’re going to play the toughest teams,” Fairman said.

Minot State beat Cyclone Hockey in both games last season, so the Cyclones are looking to turn that around this year.

One advantage they know they have is playing at home. The Cyclones will play their last two home games this weekend before going on the road until mid-January.

“These are games that we definitely want, especially when our crowd’s been pretty good,” said senior forward Trevor Sabo. “When we go on the road for a while and we don’t have a home game, we start to miss it. So just kind of taking it in now, not taking it for granted when we have the home ice advantage.”

It may still be early in the season, but so far the Cyclones have played well in front of their home crowd, with a record of 5-1.

The Cyclones are 0-2 when playing away.

“Getting those points here early, getting back up in the rankings as far as we can before we go on the road would be nice,” Alcott said. “We’re going to play well away from home, too, but it’s nice to give the home crowd a show.”