Illini Hockey

The Cyclones are coming

The Iowa State Cyclones

January 22nd, 2003 - Everyone take cover at the U of I Ice Arena this weekend and watch the storm play out on the ice as the Iowa State Cyclones take on the Illini. Coming off two big road game wins against Penn State, the Illini hope to end the Cyclones current win streak at 4. The Illini topped Iowa State twice earlier this season on Cyclone ice in Ames, with 8-1 and 11-1 wins, and would like to put two more wins under their belt and try to solidify a number one spot on the 7th round of the ACHA division 1 team ranking poll at the end of this month. The 'Clones swept Western Michigan this past weekend, and hope to keep their winning drive alive and creep up the CSCHL ladder before they host the Playoffs in Ames this February.

With the World University Games still taking place in Italy, each team will be short three players and their head coach. Missing from the Cyclones are two of their top scores, Tony Daniels and Andy Murdoch, as well as outstanding defenseman Mike Moren. Still left on the ice for Iowa are the Travis's, Fast and Denzel, as well as Phil Hummel, who are all ranked in the top 20 for CSCHL scoring. In net we are likely to find Brendan Kidd who sports a 10-3-2 record and a save percentage of 85.4% and when on his game could keep the Illini from lighting the lamp to often.

The off the ice storm is likely to brew as well, as the bus load(s) of ISU fans take their seats along the big pond with their flags and horns, and of course the Cyclone Cheerleaders with their pom-poms and face off against the Harassing Illini and the double letter sections, EE, GG, etc.. Some of the last meetings have led to some interesting "letters to the editor" as well as replies to the 'Daily Illini', this weekends games will probably not be far off the pace.

- Go Illini