Cyclone Hockey couldn’t finish a sweep against the Central Oklahoma Bronchos as they dropped a close 2-1 game Jan. 31 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

Following a win in dramatic fashion the previous night, the Cyclones made sure they kept up the momentum. The top-10 matchup fueled the intensity for both teams as neither hesitated to ramp up the physicality on the ice.

The No. 2 Bronchos (25-5-1) and No. 10 Cyclones (18-12-5) put 20 shots on net in the first period, yet the game remained a scoreless tie entering the intermission.

The Bronchos were more opportunistic in the second period, turning two of their chances into goals. After Central Oklahoma scored its first goal, it took advantage of a power-play to grab a 2-0 lead. 

The penalty that led to the goal was called goaltender interference after Trevor Lloyd crashed the net and knocked over the opposing goalie. Cyclone Hockey coach Jason Fairman thought that Lloyd was pushed from behind and voiced his displeasure with the call, but despite his best effort, was unable to change the referee’s mind.

The Cyclones managed to answer back in the third period with a Seth Serhienko goal that the goaltender lost track of, for which he paid the price. But the ISU effort wouldn’t be enough, as the Bronchos held on and avoided the sweep.

Cyclone Hockey will return to action against Robert Morris University at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Robert Morris.