HUGE HUGE Series for Cyclone Hockey This Weekend

CycloneHockey · 01-30-2008, 12:21 PM

Stumpy will have to fill you in on the details, but I wanted to put in my two cents regarding the big upcoming series against undefeated University of Illinois.

As far as I'm concerned, there is no bigger rival than the Illini for Cyclone Hockey. None. They have been part of the same conference for years and have beaten eachother up for years. Both teams are the gold standard for non-varsity college hockey and both have two of the most respected coaches in all of the ACHA.

These two teams plain just don't like eachother. After ISU was swept at the Big Pond at Illinois last year (seriously that rink is huge), the Cyclones DOMINATED them in the CSCHL tournament championship game, winning the Easton Cup for the 12th time!

Don't think Illinois has forgotten about that. Many of their players from that team are back. And make no mistake about it Illinois is just darn good this year.

To have not lost a game in this league is an incredible feat. But here is why Cyclone fans should be optimistic. The Cyclones are going to be absolutely jacked heading into this game. They know how to beat Illinois and they will be playing at home on Friday Night and in Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday night prior to the Iowa Stars game (If you havent been to WFA yet...this is a great time to check it out).

Here are things you can expect: A physical game, an extremely fast pace, and a determined Cyclone team. A lot is on the line right now. The Clones are on a 14-game streak. So its essentially the two hottest teams in the nation going head to head. #1 vs. #11. This is going to be a BARNBURNER! You better get out to the rink on Friday night and support the most exciting team in college hockey!

Topshelf · 01-31-2008, 09:47 AM

If you haven't been to a hockey game, this is definitely the game to see. Last week they had to turn fans away at the door. This will be the best action you will see all year.

CycloneHockey · 02-01-2008, 10:41 AM

Well the day is upon us for the most anticipated clash for the Cyclones this season. Illinois brings in a quality team with stellar goaltending and blinding speed. I believe the Daily likened this to the Super Bowl.

Illinois is No. 1 and undefeated this year. In all honesty, I think there is only one team that has the ability to knock off the Illini and I think that team is us. Illinois is one of the best home teams in the nation due to the fact that their rink is extremely huge.

Get that team on an NHL-sized rink like the one in Ames and you have yourself an even playing field. Combine that with the Cyclones physical play with guys like Josh Westbrook, Adam Mueller, Pete Majkozak and scores of others and you'll start seeing the Cyclones cancelling out the speed of Illinois.

There is no doubt that the Illini have the toughest team in the ACHA and maybe one of the best since they won the championship in 2004. But the Cyclones have a huge chip on their shoulder. Despite their 14-game winning streak, the latest rankings moved t them up just one spot to No. 10. Tonight is going to be a statement game. GET THERE EARLY! It's going to be a barn-burner!

Topshelf · 02-01-2008, 09:58 PM

ISU up 2-0 with one period left in the game. You can listen to the game by going to CycloneHockey.com

Unbelievable game right now. Sounds like standing room only at the game. Get over there if you want to catch the number one team in the country and undefeated Illinois lose.

Wish I could be there, but can only listen online from China.

Stumpy · 02-01-2008, 11:45 PM

I can't believe Iowa State ended up losing this one. They outplayed Illinois for the whole game except about 10 minutes in the 3rd. Illinois tied it up to send it to overtime and then the officiating went from bad to horrendous. The referee called an elbowing penalty on a clean hip check...while his back was turned. Loudest B.S. chant I've ever heard. Illinois scored on the resulting 4-on-3 powerplay to win 3-2.

Anyway, it was an incredibly hard fought game and the Cyclones deserved to come away with the victory. Unfortunately they made a couple costly mistakes, couldn't capitalize on their chances, and were doomed in by the officiating. Should be a good rematch tomorrow at Wells Fargo because you know this won't sit well with the boys.