Cyclone Hockey started the season off right in its home-and-home series against Waldorf, with a 12-1 win on Friday night, followed by a 4-1 win on Saturday night.

The offense dominated both nights, creating multiple opportunities on and off the power play.

“I think there are some things to build from, but overall I was happy with it,” said head coach and general manager Jason Fairman.

Special teams played an important role in the team’s two wins, as well as in generating offense.

The power play and the penalty kill looked solid this weekend, but the power play specifically showed dominance.

“It’s huge, especially early in the season to have that part of our game going is really important,” said senior forward Tony Uglem. “Capitalizing on those is how you win games.”

The Cyclones did a great job capitalizing on their power play chances, as well as taking advantage of having the lead.

Not once in the two games this weekend did the Cyclones play from behind. The first goal on Friday night, courtesy of C.J. Banser, was scored 1:32 into the game. From then on, the Cyclones only continued to push.

“It’s definitely nice to play with a lead,” said sophomore forward Dylan Goggin. “I think the guys responded well to that.”

Amid the powerful offense, there was also an impressive defensive showing.

Cyclone netminders Matt Goedeke, a senior, and Nikita Kozak, a junior, allowed one goal in each game.

“Having a strong goaltender, it all starts from them, just knowing that they’re going to stop the puck and be able to get it up the ice quick,” said Uglem. “Good defense is how we start our offense.”

Line combinations played a big role this weekend.

“We’ll change them [the lines] up throughout the season, but there are a couple that have some good chemistry,” said Fairman.

While there are some solid line combinations as of now, the final roster has yet to be set.

The coaching staff has been narrowing down the roster using tryouts, a week’s worth of practice and this weekend’s games to do so. Soon, the final roster for the 2018-19 season will be complete.

“I think after this next week and then Friday and Saturday, we’ll know more,” said Fairman.

Cyclone Hockey will take on division rival Illinois State University on Friday and Saturday at Ames/ISU Ice Arena at 7:30 p.m.