(CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Nov. 3) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team was dominant in all phases of the 8-0 win over the Fighting Illini of Illinois on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bearcats didn't strike until 15 seconds into the second period when junior Tyler Wilson (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada) connected with sophomore Connor Brennan (Castle Rock, CO/Regis Jesuit High School). Shortly after, junior Dominic Naas (Neurensdorf, Zurich, Switzerland/Casper Coyotes WSHL) buried his first of the game with an assist from sophomore Shayne Pluto (Calgary, Alberta, Canada/Central Memorial High School). Wilson lit the lamp for the second time in the period as he scored six minutes after his first. Sophomore Daniel Nordlander (Göteborg, Sweden/Wasaskolan Tingsryd) and senior Ty Watt (Barrie, Ontario, Canada/Rama Aces GMHL) were credited with the helpers.
 
Naas scored his second of the game with no help as the goal was unassisted. Nordlander notched his first goal of the game with passes from Wilson and Dempski to give McKendree a 5-0 lead. Sophomore Cole Dezainde (Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada/Assumption College) opened the third period scoring as he connected with senior Lazar Lestaric (Belgrade, Serbia/National Sports Academy USHS) for the goal.
 
Naas finished his hat trick minutes into the third quarter with the help of Lestaric and Dezainde. Watt closed out the Bearcat scoring with a late goal with an assist from Wilson. McKendree finished the sweep with a dominating 8-0 win over University of Illinois.
 
The Bearcat defense smothered the Fighting Illini as they were only able to record eight shots and freshman goalie Wes Werner (LaSalle, Ontario, Canada/Sandwich Secondary School) was able to block each of them. The Bearcats peppered 62 shots on the Illinois goaltender.
 
The D2 hockey team will return home on November 9-10 as they take on the Hawkeyes from University of Iowa at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. Friday's game is scheduled for 7:30p.m. and Saturday's is slated for 4:30p.m.