The past four matchups against Ohio haven’t exactly gone the way Cyclone Hockey wanted them to go. 

Near the beginning of the season, the Bobcats came to Ames, and the Cyclones stepped toe to toe with them. Both games were decided by only one point, but the Cyclones dropped both. 

Later in the season, when the Cyclones traveled to Athens, Ohio, the outcome wasn’t as close. Over the course of that weekend, the Cyclones gave up a total of 11 goals and lost by a margin of eight points. 

This weekend, the setting is a little different.

The Cyclones will play host to the Central States Collegiate Hockey League tournament this weekend, and their first-round opponent will be the Bobcats. With those four losses in the past, the Cyclones are ready to go. 

“There’s a different mindset when it’s playoff hockey,” Fairman said. I think the guys have had that mindset for the last few weekends.”

Fairman described that mindset as “focused,” which has been especially evident in the team’s recent play.

“We’re starting to get on a roll here,” said co-captain Cory Sellers. “We swept Robert Morris and then we split with Lindenwood. So we’re going to try and carry that into this weekend hopefully and get the win.”

Winning against Ohio this weekend would not only mean the Cyclones move on to the CSCHL tournament semifinals but it would also be a chance for the team to end its losing streak against the Bobcats this season.

The game will be anticipated around the American Collegiate Hockey Association, especially since it will be between two rivals and will be in front of the Cyclones’ home crowd at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. 

“They’re probably our biggest rival,” said senior Jake Bruhn. “We don’t like them. They don’t like us, so it’ll be a good game.”

The tournament rotates location throughout the league every year, either taking place at Ohio, Lindenwood, Robert Morris, Iowa State or Illinois.

The home-ice advantage may give the Cyclones the upper hand throughout the weekend if they keep winning. 

The record shows the Cyclones’ dominance at home. They have an 18-5-0-3 record at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena, while they’re 7-2-1-3 on the road.

Regardless of their home and away record, the Cyclones are going up against the Bobcats for the fifth time this season and are ready for whatever is coming their way Saturday.

“We lost in a shootout one game, and earlier in the year, it was a one-goal game,” Fairman said. “They’re a good hockey team, [but] I think we’re ready for them.”