This past weekend, the Cyclone men’s hockey team took on the University of Arkansas, sweeping the Razorbacks in a home series.

In the first game against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, the Cyclones dominated the game, winning lights out, handing a 7-0 shutout to a Arkansas team who only have a total of three wins on the season. Iowa State brought out their A-game in what could be described as their most complete performance of the season to date.

For the past few games, the freshmen on the team have played a big part in the wins that the team has, following in the steps of the upperclassmen who have set the trend for the hard work and winning ways.

The Cyclones third-string goalie, sophomore Nikita Kozak, also got a taste of some playing time for the first time this season, giving starter Derek Moser some much needed rest time.

In the second game of the series, the Cyclones did not have as big as a scoring night as the game before, but they were still able to pull out a 3-2 win against the Razorbacks, improving their overall season record to 8-2-0. The Cyclones got off to a quick start in the game with an early goal from Aaron Azevedo but for the rest of the first period, there were multiple turnovers that almost led to the Razorbacks tying it up. Goaltender Matt Goedeke stood tall.

With a multitude of penalties during the second period, the Cyclones were able to take a 3-0 lead with goals from both freshman Dylan Goggin, his first as a Cyclone, and from Adam Alcott. The Razorbacks scored two unanswered goals in the third, but it was not enough as the Cyclones pulled out on top, completing the series sweep.

The Cyclones look to continue their winning streak this weekend when the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels come for a visit in a home series.

The Rebels, who currently have a record of 7-3, serve as a challenge to the Cyclones after coming off of a winning weekend, sweeping the Williston State Tetons.

Some key players from the Rebels to look out for this weekend include forward Elijiah Barriga, a former product of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL who is a team leader with seven goals and five assists in 10 games played. Forward Matthew Painchaud, a product of the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL, has six goals and five assists also in 10 games played.

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