It has been two weeks since Cyclone Hockey entered its last matchup against Colorado State. After sweeping the then-No. 17 Rams, it was a weekend that may prove to be one of the main rallying points to turn around the just-above .500 start to the season.

But we may not know the true extent of how important the sweep will prove to be until this weekend when the Cyclones take on the top team in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League and No. 6 team in the American Collegiate Hockey League, the Lindenwood Lions.

Even in the team’s most trying efforts this season, Cyclone Hockey has managed to keep its confidence level high. That remains the case going into an important CSCHL matchup this weekend.

“Our confidence has never been a problem all season, it’s one of the things that has never wavered,” said Cyclone Hockey coach Jason Fairman. “I’ve seen that we have high energy and a jump in our step in practice.”

After playing for 13 weeks straight, the week-long fall break was welcomed by the players. It may be part of the reason why Fairman has seen the elevated energy levels from his team.

“We’ve been going hard every week since August,” Fairman said. “So I think that the time off re-energized the guys. After watching them in practice this week, I’m happy with what I see.”

The Lions proved to be a tough task for the Cyclones only a month and a half ago.

After conceding the first game of the two-game series by allowing a goal with 1.2 seconds remaining in the game, they lost another close game in overtime the next night. The Cyclones out-shot the opposition 79-54, but to no avail.

The Cyclones know that no matter how much it may seem like they are outplaying the opposition, when facing the Lions, the game is always close.

“We always have really good games against Lindenwood; they can really go either way no matter how the game is going,” said Cyclone Hockey captain Mike Dopko. “It’s fun playing them and if we can stick to our systems, we can get a better result. We had a few unlucky bounces last time but hopefully it goes our way this time.”

Lindenwood hasn’t played its best hockey in recent games, losing four of its last five games. Last time the Lions faced the Cyclones, they came into the series having dropped seven of their last eight games. Sweeping the Cyclones, however, sparked a seven-game winning streak that propelled them to sixth in the ACHA rankings.

But the Cyclones are making sure that doesn’t happen again.

“We know we can beat them,” said assistant captain Nate Percy. “It will come down to hard work, and I think that having a week off will give us the legs to play through the third period and help us get some wins.”

Cyclone Hockey will play against Lindenwood University at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and continue with a second game at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6. Both games are in Wentzville, Missouri at the Lindenwood Ice Arena.