Coming off a 5-0 victory against Indiana Tech, Cyclone Hockey is looking to keep the momentum going against a strong opponent at Lindenwood University this weekend in Ames, Iowa.

The Cyclones have played well on their home ice this year with a record of 6-1 and head coach Jason Fairman thinks it is a good advantage to have.

“I think most teams play better at home,” Fairman said. “We need all the help we can get so it’s a little advantage we will have.” 

Veteran goalie Matt Cooper also believes the Cyclones play better on their home ice and in front of their fans 

“I think it helps a lot having the home crowd behind us and it shows itself on the ice,” Cooper said.

Lindenwood’s record of 1-4-1 doesn’t exactly explain the type of team it is.

Lindenwood has played some tough, highly ranked teams such as No. 9 Adrian College, No. 5 Central Oklahoma and most notably No. 3 Oklahoma, which they scored eight goals against in their most recent matchup.

Fairman is nervous about the eight-goal outburst the Lions had against the Sooners, but Cooper is focused on making sure they can’t repeat that feat.

“It definitely makes you very aware of what you are getting into and what kind of team we are playing,” Cooper said. “You really have to be focused heading into the game.”

Defensemen Cory Sellers is also aware and isn’t over-estimating Lindenwood.

“We know what to expect, they are going to be a good team,” Sellers said. “They are one of the top teams in the country and we just have to stick to our game plan.”

Cyclone Hockey will have to contain the Lions’ best offensive player, Rock Einersen, if it wants to come away with a win.

Five of those eight goals against Oklahoma came from Einersen, so Fairman is counting on his defensive MVP to keep up his level of play heading into this series.

“Antti Helanto is constant on every play even though he goes unnoticed,” Fairman said. “He rarely makes any mistakes and he is our MVP so far.”

Cyclone Hockey will take on the Lindenwood University Lions at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.