With the season opener right around the corner, Cyclone Hockey kicked the 2018-19 year off with the Cardinal & Gold game. The Cardinal & Gold game allows the players to get back on the ice and get prepared for the season, it allows the coaching staff to evaluate the players and it allows the fans to get an early look at Cyclone Hockey.

The game started off slow with good defense and physical play from both sides. Jake Joyaux was able to score the first goal of the game to give Cardinal a 1-0 lead at the 3:11 minute mark. Cardinal was able to hold on to the lead and end the first period up 1-0.

Being able to get the first period out of the way, many Cyclone Hockey players settled down and got back into the game.

“I think we just got comfortable out there,” said returning forward Tony Uglem. “We’re just kind of getting a feel for the game.”

Feeling more comfortable on the ice, Gold was able to respond with a goal from Hunter Dolan with an assist from David Rutkowski, tying the game up 1-1. After tying up the game, Gold took full control, scoring twice more with goals from Donnie Guskey and Tony Uglem, putting Gold up 3-1.

The offensive spark took pressure off the defense, which denied Cardinal any goals during the second period.

“It’s always nice when your guys can get a couple of goals for you, just to kind of chill the pace a little bit,” said David Volkmann, Gold’s second-period goalie.

Gold carried that offensive and defensive momentum into the third period, where they looked to take over even more.

It didn’t take long for the puck to find the back of Cardinal’s net, as Aaron Azevedo scored in just under a minute of the third period starting, putting Gold up 4-1. Raymond Zimmerman, Tommy Hanson and Connor Lee were all able to place the puck into the back of the net, helping Gold secure a dominant 7-1 win over Cardinal.

While fans were excited to watch Cyclone Hockey and returning players were able to get back on the ice, the coaching staff’s eyes were on some of the new guys to see what they could bring to the table.

“I saw some things that I liked from some of the rookies,” Fairman said. “This is what it’s about, to get a good look at some of the new players.”

With the Cardinal & Gold game done, Cyclone Hockey looks toward its season opener at home against Waldorf University on Friday at 7:30 p.m.