In Iowa State’s chance at a playoff run, one thing fueled the team: “coming for blood.” After overcoming the team’s four-year playoff drought, the Cyclones concluded their season in the state of hockey in a battle with the University of Mary Marauders.
With a 5-3 final, Iowa State reflects on all it has accomplished in a season of adversity. One constant factor in the Cyclones season showed up amongst the senior class.
As nine seniors hit the ice in their final game, they made sure to make a lasting impression. Leading the team this season was forward Michael Mulkerrin, who filled the role of captain.
In his final game, Mulkerrin tallied two goals to revive the team’s chance at a comeback. With a goal 40 seconds before the first period concluded, Mulkerrin cut the team’s 3-1 deficit to 3-2.
The team found its groove again, and yet Mulkerrin was not done, as he lit the lamp to tie things up at three one minute into the second period.
Another key role of those two goals came from a fellow senior forward and assistant captain, John Kovarik. The Mulkerrin, Kovarik and junior forward Ben Pfannenstein line produced Iowa State’s game-saving goals.
The connection between the senior class goes beyond on the ice compatibility. Four years of banter have created a lasting brotherhood.
“All my best friends, I’m gonna miss those guys a lot. Mulkerrin said, “Just excited to get to know them.”
Despite the defeat, one defender held the starting role through it all: senior goalie William Pinney. Through it all, Pinney has focused on the play ahead and, through it all, never gave up on the team.
With 47 shots faced and 32 saved, Pinney concluded his career at Iowa State with an 88% save percentage in the contest.
One thing both Kovarik, Pinney and senior goalie Jack Woitalla all share is that their careers come to an end in the same state where it all started. The three Minnesota natives leave a lasting legacy for the program and, more importantly, amongst their teammates.
“We’ve got a really close group of guys that’ve all been here since day one. It’s good to grow up with them.” Woitalla said
Behind this tight-knit group is a coach who took a team of adversity and gave it an opportunity to prove itself in the playoffs. In his first year, Jonas Hostovecky revived the hope of a historic program.
Hostovecky’s Iowa State journey has begun. One thing is certain that he has found his home rooted in a program full of legacy.
“As soon as I came, I felt at home.” Hostovecky said, “This is a great place to be, and I feel very honored that the guys picked me as their coach.”
From the coasts of North Carolina to California and all the states in between, this group of seniors paths crossed to do one final thing: represent Iowa State’s hockey legacy.
“It’s real special, I mean, these guys have been together for about four years now.” Kovarik said, “The relationships we built with each other and just the little moments that came to the big ones, it means a lot for all of us.”
