AMES – Iowa State welcomed Waldorf University for senior night and their final home game on Friday.

Ultimately, the Cyclones took one of their toughest losses this season, with a final of 3-2, as Waldorf scored in the final minute of the game.

A lot of offense early

Iowa State started the game hoping to win in honor of senior night. The Cyclones wasted no time trying to achieve that wish as they scored 54 seconds into the game.

Waldorf quickly struck back nearly two minutes later for what would be the first tie of the night. Following this, Iowa State went on the penalty kill, and goalie Harrison Moen made critical saves to keep the game tied. 

The Cyclones found a way to reclaim the lead, as defenseman Gabe Myers lit the lamp at 9:25 in the period. 

Following the goal by Myers, Iowa State had a power play with multiple shots on goal, but ultimately, no goals were scored. 

The Vikings found their way to score at 16:37 to even it at 2-2. The period rounded out with the Cyclones on the penalty kill, which stood strong to wrap the period up in a tie.

Defense dominates the second period

Opening the period with time still on the Iowa State penalty kill from the first period, the defense again stood strong. While on the penalty kill, the Cyclones won the opening face-off. Through the first two periods, face-offs were a strength for Iowa State. 

The defense picked up on both sides of the ice, which led to no goals scored throughout the period.

As defense picked up, so did physicality, as the Cyclones were sure to lay a hit at any chance available. Iowa State found its way back on the power play. 

Although nothing came of the power play, the Cyclones continued to take opportunities to score. The period concluded 2-2. The Cyclones would look to reclaim their lead in the third period.

Waldorf scores in the final minute of the game to take a 3-2 victory

The final period became the final opportunity for Iowa State to take back its lead. The Cyclones were persistent throughout the period and kept the shots on goal coming. Ultimately, nothing came out of this.

The dedication of Iowa State was at an all-time high, and the team’s energy skyrocketed as the clock continued to tick. Waldorf reflected that energy and stayed in the game, making this game a battle to the end. 

As the game became a thriller on the verge of overtime, the Vikings scored at 18:09 in the period. As Waldorf captured the victory, the resilience of Iowa State was at a season-high.

From leadership to dedication, the seniors proved to leave a lasting impact

With this being the final home game of the season, seven seniors were recognized, including forwards Branden Buhler and Alex Robinson.

One goalie was also recognized as Harrison Moen, who was between the pipes all night. Head coach David [DJ] Girardi was also one of the seniors that was celebrated. 

Throughout the season, defenseman Jacob Schuldt has held a vital role as captain for the Cyclones. Schuldt has had a lasting impact on the team and has shown what it means to be a leader. 

Throughout the season, from being the last off the ice to making sure his teammates were appreciated, Schuldt has embodied what leadership is all about. 

As Schuldt reflects on his time with the club, he looks towards the future, knowing that his time with the hockey club was an honor to see the team fight through the ups and downs together.

“It’s been really cool to see the guys that are stepping up and the guys that are gonna be here to build the program when we’re long gone and playing beer league somewhere,” Schuldt said.

Another key senior on the team is defenseman Bryan Kurpiewski. The team and hockey itself is something very close to Kurpiewski.

“It’s a family, that’s all it is,” Kurpiewski said.

Throughout the season, Kurpiewski has put his all into this club on and off the ice. His defense on the ice stood strong just as his pride off the ice is for the club.

Regardless of the game’s result, the most important thing is the brotherhood of this team.

A final keystone of this team is Girardi. Going from a defenseman to the head coach of this club was a huge role to fill and Girardi fit it perfectly. The switch from skater to coach seemed effortless for Girardi, as he found a way to help lift the team through his time as head coach.

“I think just having one of their own kind of step, and even though I’m by no means the next Herb Brooks, this kind of helped take the pressure off the team,” Girardi said.

Once again, the team’s dedication and true connection have been the most important thing.

Girardi’s gratitude for his role and time with the club represents everything that the club stands for.

“It’s been a long four years full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s been a lot of fun with a lot of good people,” Girardi said.

Regardless of the record of this club, the pure dedication to the game for Iowa State should stand tall, knowing its passion doesn’t go unnoticed.

The Cyclones look to rebound from this heartbreaking loss as they face Waldorf in Albert Lea, Minnesota at 7:00 p.m. Saturday.