Cyclone Hockey is coming off a sweep against Waldorf this past weekend, and will take on Illinois State University at Ames/ISU Ice Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

After two dominant wins for Cyclone Hockey, coaches and players are feeling good.

“I feel pretty good about the energy at practice,” said Jason Fairman, coach and general manager. “We’re making progress, I feel good about the way we’re moving forward.”

Cyclone Hockey has over a week’s worth of practice under its belt now, as well as two games against Waldorf.

Though it may be a non-conference game this weekend against Illinois State, coaches and players are still excited and gearing up for a good two games of hockey.

“Once we get into our league games, things will start to pick up a little bit more,” said Trevor Sabo, senior forward. “And the newer guys are going to get a sense of how things really are here.”

League games begin in October when the Cyclones take on Lindenwood University in Wentzville, Missouri. Lindenwood, along with four other university hockey teams — including Iowa State — are all part of the CSCHL, or Central States Collegiate Hockey League.

Fairman said he is thinking more about the CSCHL portion of the schedule, merely because it is Cyclone Hockey’s own league, but that no team should be taken lightly.

Coaches and players agree that they are starting to get into the swing of things this season, especially after playing two great games last weekend.

“We’re pretty confident. I think that was a good showing from us, especially being the first weekend,” Sabo said. “We’re looking to go into this weekend and do the same thing.”

Practice this week has been all about continuing to get to the desired pace, and build on the chemistry shown against Waldorf.

“We’re working on our systems, getting into the flow of things,” said Max Olson sophomore defenseman. “Right now we’re just ironing out systems, I really think that’s the biggest thing. Especially the new guys…trying to get them involved and get some chemistry going.”

Cyclone Hockey started off its season right last weekend, and looks to continue its quality form. Overall, Fairman is happy with what he is seeing.

“Things are optimistic around Cyclone Hockey right now.”