(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 10) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team returns to the rink after a two week hiatus for a series with the University of Illinois. Puck drop is slated for 7:30pm on Friday and 5:00pm on Saturday at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.
 
The Bearcats opened their season on Sept. 20-21 with a two game split with Saint Louis University. McKendree began with a 6-4 loss before taking game two 4-1.
 
Leading the offense is freshman Noah Scrum (Maryville, IL/Collinsville High School) with two goals on the season. Junior Christian Blandina (Glen Carbon, IL/Edwardsville High School) leads the team in assists with three and junior Derek Northrop (St. Louis, MO/De Smet Jesuit High School) ties for the team lead with three total points.
 
Freshman Mason Young (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville High School) was stellar in his first career college start, making 41/42 saves in the 4-1 victory over Saint Louis.
 
About Illinois
The Fighting Illini enter the weekend at 1-1 overall after splitting a series with Robert Morris University. Dom Fischer is leading the offense with two goals, three assists, and five points. Three others are tied with Fischer for the lead in goals.
 
Lukas Trojanowski is the top goaltender for Illinois with a 1-0 record, 3.00 goals against average, and .923 save percentage.
 
If you cannot attend, both games will be broadcasted at www.glvcsn.com/mckendree.