(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 4) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team swept the University of Illinois after defeating the Illini 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bearcats victory comes after defeating the Illini on Friday night by a score of 7-1. McKendree improves to 12-3 on the season, and 9-1 in Mid-America Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) Gold Division play.
 
Freshman forward Connor Brennan struck first in the contest after freshman defenseman Daniel Nordlander sent a rink wide pass to sophomore forward Tyler Wilson, who pulled up inside the Illini zone and sent a pass to Brennan. McKendree held the 1-0 lead through the second period as both teams played to a stalemate. The Bearcats extended the lead with 5:16 left to play, when Wilson lit the lamp. Wilson's goal was assisted by Nordlander and sophomore defenseman Alec Nichols (Cedar Rapids, IA/Northern Iowa Bulls NA3HL). McKendree capped off the scoring with 23 seconds remaining on a goal by junior defenseman Ty Watt (Barrie, Ontario, Canada/Rama Aces GMHL) after an attempt by Nichols, who received an assist on the goal.
 
Senior goaltender Trevor Klostermann (Highland, IL/Highland HS) earned a shutout for the Bearcats, turning aside all 30 shots on goal. Klostermann moves to 4-0 on the season, allowing just six goals on 102 shots on goal for a season save percentage of 0.941. Wilson netted one goal and added an assist in the contest for two points. Nichols registered two assists for two points in the contest.
 
The Bearcats are back in action at home on November 10^th and 11^th for a series against Bradley University at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.