As Cyclone Hockey takes on the Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines this weekend, they have one thing to worry about: Scoring.

It has been a common problem for the No. 10 Cyclones so far this season and has been most of the reason why they have begun the season at 2-4-1-1 in American Collegiate Hockey Association play. But coming off two losses where the team out-shot its opponents both times, the Cyclones hope that a breakthrough is imminent.   

“Other than that Oklahoma game that we lost here [on Sept. 19], I believe we have outplayed every opponent,” said hockey coach Jason Fairman. “Once we start converting those chances, I think that we will start going on a [winning] streak. Something has got to change for us.”

The Wolverines (6-3-1-0) come into the game ranked No. 19 in the nation and are fresh off a rough home stand after being swept by the University of Illinois. In the two games, they allowed ten goals. But looks can deceive, and the Cyclones are not taking anything for granted.

“They’re a top-20 ranked team, a well-coached team and have put up pretty good numbers against other [AHCA] opponents,” said assistant captain Nate Percy. “They can put the puck in the net. It’s going to be a good series, a lot better than people think it’s going to be.”

Going back three years to the last time the Cyclones faced off against Michigan-Dearborn, the Cyclones dominated in a 10-0 win. Current Cyclone seniors Antti Helanto and J.P. Kascsak, freshmen at the time, each had a goal in that game.

Even though a lot of time has passed since the two teams have faced, the Cyclones will be prepared for anything that comes their way.

“Honestly, it has been a while since we last played them so I’m not sure exactly what to expect,” said captain Mike Dopko on the Wolverines offense. “They are a high-ranked team so they have some talent. We just have to keep doing what we are doing and keep the pucks out of the net.

Despite losing five of his last six games, Fairman believes that really doesn’t reflect how the team has performed and wants his team to stay the course against Michigan-Dearborn.

“I’m pleased in a lot of areas, but we play the game to win or lose and we are losing,” Fairman said. “All this talk about losing perpetuates itself because we have actually played pretty well. Everyone is asking ‘why are you losing?’ And eventually that’s going to take its toll on some guys.”

“The coaching staff and I actually are pretty pleased with how the team has played. We are making some changes but we are not starting over by any means. We want to stay the course and hopefully it will turn around for us.”

The Cyclones take on Michigan-Dearborn at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 25 at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.