(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 5)—The more things change for the McKendree University hockey team, the more things have stayed the same for senior forward Nic Rolla (O'Fallon, IL/O'Fallon).

Rolla pumped in four goals to help lead the Bearcats to an 8-2, season-opening victory late Friday night over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at the East Alton Ice Arena.

Sophomore forward Jacob Schlote (House Springs, MO/Hillsboro) notched a hat trick in his first game for McKendree to help new head coach Garry Henson win his debut behind the bench for the Bearcats. Freshman goalie Tony Salamone (Jefferson City, MO/Jefferson City) made 25 saves in making his first career start for McKendree.

The Bearcats hosted SIU Edwardsville Saturday at 4 p.m. in the first of just three home contests for the McKendree program.