(O'Fallon, Ill., Sept. 29) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team suffered its first loss of the season against Aquinas College as they fell by the score of 4-3. The Bearcats split the weekend series with the Saints.
 
McKendree got on the board first as junior Dominic Naas (Neurensdorf, Zurich, Switzerland/Casper Coyotes WSHL) put one past the Aquinas netminder off passes from junior Tyler Wilson (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada) and sophomore Daniel Nordlander (Göteborg, Sweden/Wasaskolan Tingsryd). Senior goalie Andrew Best (Midland, Ontario, Canada/Cambridge Bears Junior A team) stopped all 10 Aquinas shots and the Bearcats would hold a 1-0 lead after the opening period.
 
The Saints took the lead into the second period by scoring two goals and would take a 2-1 lead into the final intermission.
 
The Bearcats answered back with a goal from Wilson off assists from Naas and sophomore Connor Brennan (Castle Rock, CO/Regis Jesuit High School). The Saints would reclaim the lead but Naas would tie the game as he scored his second goal of the game with an assist from Wilson. Aquinas took back the lead shortly after and McKendree would be defeated by the score of 4-3.
 
"Tough loss as we were not at our best and ultimately that is on me," said McKendree head coach Garry Henson.
 
The McKendree men's D2 hockey team will return to the ice next Friday as they host the University of Missouri at 7:30p.m. at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.