Just before the Iowa State men’s hockey team took some time off for thanksgiving, the team hit a bump in the road, suffering their first series sweep of the season when they visited the Robert Morris Eagles on enemy ice.

The Cyclones dropped both game to the Eagles, dropping their overall record to 11-5. 

The Cyclones got a chance to sit back and decompress this past week over Thanksgiving for a much needed break after a month filled with top ranked ACHA teams.

“I think this time of year, it’s good to have a break,” said coach Jason Fairman. “Hopefully we will be refreshed. Usually guys are getting tired around November and I think anytime you can have a break helps, and unfortunately we come back for two series and then we are off for three weeks and come back and start in early January.”

The Cyclones have a big challenge ahead of them this weekend when the Minot State Beavers come for a visit to the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. The Beavers, who currently have a record of 16-2, sit at No. 2 in the latest ACHA rankings.

Both teams will be coming into the weekend after being idle due to the Thanksgiving break.

“We have been doing a lot of reviewing and making sure that we are paying attention to detail,” Fairman said. “They will be good”.

Coach Fairman stressed about how the Cyclones need to be prepared this weekend when the Beavers come to visit this weekend saying that the Beavers are a top team every year.

“They are very skilled with a lot of guys who know how to play the game and they will capitalize on any mistakes whether it be a close game or if we have a big lead, they will come back and give it to us,” Fairman said.

Some players to watch out for on the Beavers include senior forward Lyndon Lipinski, a leader in points on the team with 12 goals and seven assists in just 19 games played as well as defensemen Dylan Johnson. A junior who has 8 goals and seven assists in 18 games played.

The puck drops against Minot State 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday at Ames/ISU Ice Arena.