In a series full of polar performances, a game one 5-1 statement win by McKendree, paired with a quenching 3-2 victory by Iowa State in game two, concludes a split series in the conference clash. With the Cyclones’ victory, the team won their first game since Oct. 18. 

Recurring shorthanded nightmare 

A key part of Iowa State’s game is becoming an increasingly unsolvable puzzle: avoiding penalty trouble. 

Game one concluded with seven penalties between the Cyclones and Bearcats. While McKendree found success on the power play, Iowa State could not say the same.

Between the Bearcats’ three power play opportunities, two goals were scored. As the Cyclones pick up their energy, they begin to make costly mistakes that result in yet another goal from which they can’t recover

With Iowa State’s sole goal coming 47 seconds into the game, defense looked to play a key role in regaining game-clinching confidence as game one ended in a 5-1 loss, but that confidence boost never came.

Despite a tough loss, the physicality of both the Bearcats and Cyclones didn’t let up, which led to many temper-filled tilts. 

As Iowa State faced four power play opportunities, the team came up short on all chances. The development of the power play looked promising from the first opportunity to the last, as drilling the goalie and solidifying puck possession became evident. 

When an offensive advantage is gained on the power play, the development of the power play performance remains on the Cyclones’ to-do list as they continue to fail to capitalize on the advantage. 

With a fresh start in game two, the chance at shorthanded defensive success arose. Between both teams, similar to game one, seven penalties were assessed. 

Iowa State went 0-5 on power play opportunities, while McKendree went 1-2. Despite the lack of scoring on man-advantage opportunities, the shots on goal took an uptaking, but goals did not. 

With a break on the agenda as the Cyclones head into their final series of the semester, an emphasis on scoring on the power play looks to climb the to-do list. 

“Power play, you know, we are able to move it pretty well, but we don’t create quality shots on the net, and that’s kind of what we need to work on,” head coach Jonas Hostovecky said. 

Diamond in the rough: Brotherhood 

As Iowa State continues to face adversity, one thing this season pushes the Cyclones’ drive beyond the scoresheet. The brotherhood within the Iowa State team connects them more than any number of wins can.

With the season at its halfway point, reflection among the team reveals the dedication to each other and the game of hockey itself.

The Cyclones’ sense of community and collaboration has led them to connect exceptionally well on and off the ice. 

A key player in this connection is Iowa State’s leading goalie, who defends his crease while aiding his guys in front of him along the way. 

“Not to be cocky, but I do think that I guess I have more hockey knowledge than the younger guys,” senior goalie William Pinney said. “If I can kind of direct them on the ice and make the play go smoothly and it’ll give them and me some more confidence.” 

From the success of a win to the hardships of a loss, the Cyclones prioritize the aspect of togetherness as they face adversity that goes beyond the point of rebounding. 

“We have a great group of guys and we all want to win,” sophomore forward Matthew Mahoney said. “Not every game is going to go our way, but we have a lot of heart on this team and we’re going to keep going no matter what.” 

The community doesn’t just stop at the players; the sheer dedication to all members of this club showcases the family-like atmosphere within. 

As Hostovecky decided where his life would take him, his decision to come to Ames and this historic club serves as a testament to this connection. 

“I came to Iowa State because of the name, right, and I just want to win and I want to bring this team to the top,” Hostovecky said. “This is my team, these are the kids that I care for, and if someone’s against them, they have problems with me.”  

Opening offense fuels shifty results 

The opening period in both games played a key role in determining the fate of Iowa State’s momentum. With reverse outcomes after the first periods of game one and two, the fate of the game reflected that momentum.

Iowa State’s sole goal in game one came 47 seconds into the game. Mahoney lit the lamp and was assisted by senior forward Michael Mulkerrin and junior forward Dylan Hender, who are two of the Cyclones’ captains. 

As the game progressed, Iowa State’s offense went on a hiatus, resulting in the 5-1 loss. McKendree’s offensive drive soared in opposition. Across the scoresheet, the Bearcats scored their goals in three different fashions to display a flashy offense. 

Between two power-play goals, two even-strength goals and an empty-net goal, McKendree took advantage of the weak points in Iowa State’s defense. 

Three of those goals came from forward Rycol Davis to secure himself a hat trick. Davis added a point in game two to close out the series with four points. 

Game two reflected the Cyclones’ craving for a win. With three goals and a half minutes, the offense was electric. Although McKendree scored the opening goal just 41 seconds into the game, Iowa State was ready to strike back. 

With two goals 22 seconds apart, the Cyclones began their path to victory. The first period served as a catalyst for the victors, and Iowa State proved that it wanted that title. 

The Cyclones’ opening goal was scored by senior forward Ethan Ranger. This marks Ranger’s first goal of his senior campaign. 

“Awesome, I’m just happy that I got the monkey off my back,” Ranger said. “It was kind of due because my brother scored first, so I was kind of mad.” 

With the literal brotherhood of this team serving as fuel to get Iowa State on the board, the calm offense allowed for the first victory in five weeks. 

The second period displayed a goal trade-off between the Bearcats and Cyclones; Iowa State found itself with a further lead that McKendree would not be able to reach. 

This victory for the Cyclones secured the team their first win in five weeks. Now they head into the holiday break with something sweet to celebrate.