Cyclone Hockey and Illinois showed why they are Central States Collegiate Hockey League rivals Jan. 10 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

Tensions flared throughout the game, but the Cyclones prevailed with a 4-2 win and completed the two-game sweep.

The Cyclones came out strong to start the first period. The Illini struggled to get any offensive-zone time. That paid dividends 10 minutes into the period, as the Cyclones performed an exceptional cycle near the corner boards that led to multiple shots, one of which Joseph DeLuca banged in to give his team a 1-0 lead. 

The Cyclones came out strong with pressure in the second period. It led to a turnover in the Illini zone, where Jake Bruhn took advantage with a pass to Trevor Lloyd, giving the Cyclones a 2-0 advantage. 

The game took a turn from there.

After the Illini scored its first goal of the night, its bench threw a flurry of expletives toward the Cyclones. Responding to the words, the Cyclones started some after-the-whistle scuffles.

The intensity only increased into the third period when the Cyclones crashed the net and hit the goaltender. Sparks flew as players were brought to the brink of a brawl. The referees intervened, however, before anyone could be given a penalty.

The Cyclones took their emotion and converted it into two goals in the third period, which extended their lead to three and gave them a comfortable win.

Trevor Lloyd continued his recent hot streak by scoring a goal and assisting on another. He has played a part in four of the last eight goals the Cyclones have netted. 

Cyclone Hockey will return to action at 6:30 p.m. on Jan.16 at the University of Ohio.