Coming into a series following being swept, the Cyclones had something to prove. Iowa State completed the sweep with a game one 4-0 victory and a 4-2 game two victory over Northern Illinois. 

With a series in support of breast cancer awareness, this newly established success represented more than just a game for the Cyclones.

Staying offensively hungry 

Throughout a series that debuted a new version of Iowa State, the main fuel was continuing to keep the offensive drive flowing. 

With a hat trick in game one, forward Dylan Hender led the drive of the offense. With three straight goals, Hender reestablished his game with a natural hat trick. Hender’s hat trick was fueled by something bigger than himself. Playing for his grandma meant more than anything.

“You know, my grandma passed away from breast cancer when I was nine, so just kind of playing for her and keeping her in mind,” Hender said.

The hat trick consisted of a goal at 1:41 in the first period of game one. Defensemen Riley Kress and forward Michael Mulkerrin got the assists.

Hender’s second goal came on a power play; he scored at 1:24 in the second period and was assisted by forward John Kovarik. With one final goal to secure the hat trick, Hender struck three minutes later at 4:26 in the period. His goal was assisted by defensemen Gabe Myers and Gregory Harley.

The final goal of the night came from Kress, who lit the lamp at 12:17 in the third period. Kress earned his first two points of the season with his goal and assist in game one.

“It feels good, especially being a senior; it feels good to contribute and get the boys rolling,” Kress said. 

Between dominating with a 56-32 shots on goal differential and four goals, the Cyclones looked to bring that offensive stride into game two.

“It finally clicked, all that hard work, all that character, we found some new leaders and they all found their way on the scoresheet tonight,” Assistant Head Coach Bryan Kurpiewski said.

With a nine-to-six shots on goal differential in period one of game two, Iowa State found itself trading goals with Northern Illinois. 

The sole scorer in the period was defenseman Andrew Franey, who lit the lamp at 5:36 in the period. This was also Franey’s first goal as a Cyclone.

“Absolutely awesome, kept working, it took me a long time, but just had to keep working hard for it,” Franey said.

With a tie after one, Iowa State went into the second period ready to claim its first lead of the night. Two Cyclones found the opportunity to light the lamp. A defensive zone puck-clearing attempt by Northern Illinois turned into a fluke of a goal, which pushed the team ahead of Iowa State.

Following the goal, forward Ethan Pagel scored 14 seconds into a power play at 11:15 in the period. The goal was assisted by Myers and forward Frank Kula.

With things tied at two, defenseman Harrison Ranger secured the lead for the Cyclones with a goal at 5:46 in the period. The goal was assisted by defensemen Reid Wilson and forward Benjamin Pfannenstein.

Ranger’s goal landed him his first goal and point of this season and his career at Iowa State.

“It feels great, hopefully there’s more to come,” Ranger said. “It feels good to get the team going.”

The period ended with a 17-16 shots on goal differential with the Cyclones ahead.

Going into the final period of the series with the lead, Iowa State scored one final goal to claim another victory. Forward Matthew Mahoney lit the lamp at 18:59 in the period to silence the Huskies.

The final shots on goal differential were 32-24 in favor of Iowa State.

Defense on lockdown

With a series-opening shutout by goalie William Pinney, the standard for the defense was at a season high. 

“It feels awesome, but you know the guys just played absolutely awesome in front of me,” Pinney said. “They made it pretty easy for me.” 

Between going seven for seven on the penalty kill in game one to pass breakups and blocked shots, the Cyclones established their dominance.

With a defense set to attempt to come up big in game two, the performance of Iowa State in the defensive zone allowed the team to secure its first sweep of the season. 

The leader of the game two victory was between the pipes. Goalie Jack Woitalla played a crucial role in the 4-2 victory. In Woitalla’s first start and game of the season, he secured his first win through quick reflexes and a smooth attention to detail.

“It feels good to come up with the win and get the sweep to complete the weekend,” Woitalla said.

The high energy of the Cyclones allowed the team to continue to stay physical, focus on blocking shots and breaking up passes. 

On the penalty kill in game two, Iowa State went three for three to secure a 100% success rate throughout the series. Although the offense secured the victory for the Cyclones, the defense throughout the series proved to display a new version of this team.

Ahead of this sweep, Iowa State has the opportunity to prove that its defense is something to fear.

Playing for something bigger than hockey

With a pink series theme, the Cyclones played in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Between profits from ticket sales going to the American Cancer Society to players wearing pink tape in support, the barn’s energy was at a heartwarming high.

Across the team, Iowa State stood for a cause bigger than itself and put its all on the line for a weekend sweep.

“Oh, it’s huge. I’ve got family and friends that are affected by it, just feels good to play for them,” Franey said.

From coaches to players, this sweep meant more than anything, especially to those who have been affected by this heartbreaking disease.

“It’s big because my grandma passed away from it a while ago, so it means a lot to me and my family,” Ranger said. “So it was big to win those games for that.”

Supporting a cause with such a deep connection to so many people made this series much more than earning a spot back in the win column.

“It’s awesome, obviously everyone has someone to play for, so it’s awesome to do it,” Myers said.

With a barn full of fans eager to support a cause, helping aid this disease felt easier than ever.

“It’s good when you’ve got that easy platform to show support for what you’re playing for,” Woitalla said.