The Cyclones defeated Illinois State 4-1 in game one at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena on Friday before a hit to a Redbird player caused an injury, which required medical attention on the ice, suspended game two on Saturday at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The Redbirds posted a statement on social media after the game stating that the player is “in good spirits and on his path to recovery” and expressed gratitude to those who lent a helping hand at a time of need.

“It’s in times like these that we’re reminded this is more than just a game—it’s a family. Thank you,” the statement read.

Game one recap:

Cyclones open the game with a 2-0 lead

After two tough losses last weekend, Iowa State looked to be back in the win column. 

The first period was filled with opportunities for the Cyclones to score, and they cashed in on those chances. Throughout the first, the puck possession and faceoff wins were split between Iowa State and Illinois State.

With two penalties given to the Redbirds, the Cyclones looked to earn the lead. Ultimately, they were unable to take advantage of the power plays. 

Despite this, Iowa State lit the lamp for the first time in the period at 13:21. The goal was scored by forward Christopher Kondiles, assisted by forward Michael Mulkerrin. The offense of the Cyclones continued to build their energy, and it paid off. 

Iowa State found the opportunity to score yet again at 18:50 in the period. The goal was scored by Mulkerrin, assisted by forward Dylan Hender. As the period winded down, the Cyclones were in a great position.

Hender contributed an assist and later a goal. The chemistry amongst the team was a key component in their victory.

“We have a good brotherhood in there, it just feels good to score for those guys,” Hender said.

Cyclones and Redbirds trade goals

Defensively, the Cyclones held their ground throughout the second. A star for Iowa State has been goalie William Pinney. Through both the first and second periods, Pinney made stellar saves and displayed a high level of agility to protect his post. 

The Cyclones found a way to protect their lead by scoring at 5:20 in the second period. The goal was scored by forward Ethan Ranger, assisted by Hender.

Ultimately, the Redbirds scored a goal at 14:35 in the period. With a two-goal lead, Iowa State had nothing to worry about. 

From shots on goal to puck possession, the Cyclones closed the period with a comfortable lead. As Iowa State’s confidence skyrocketed, the team’s connection once again proved to be the answer to this great game.

“I trusted my guys in front of me, and I knew that they were gonna do a great job, and they proved that,” Pinney said.

Cyclones defense holds strong, offense finishes the job

The final period began with Iowa State being one man down due to a penalty. Despite the disadvantage, the team had a stellar penalty kill. 

Following the penalty kill, the Cyclones were in the defensive zone for a while. While it’s never good to be in the defensive zone for too long, Iowa State held its defense strong to avoid any scoring by Illinois State. 

The Cyclones soon found their way back to the offensive zone to score. At 10:28, Hender lit the lamp for the final goal of the game. The period rounded out with great defense. This game was a true highlight of what Iowa State can do.

The Cyclones put up their best performance of the season thus far to earn their first home win of the semester.

Mulkerrin kicked off an excellent game for Iowa State with a goal and an assist, which must have been the recipe for this dominant win.

“It felt good to get the fellas going and get the win,” Mulkerrin said.





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