(O'FALLON, Ill., Oct. 11) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team opened up a two game series with the University of Illinois on Friday night. In front of a packed crowd, the Bearcats fought hard for 60 minutes before falling in overtime to the visiting Fighting Illini.
 
The Bearcats move to 1-2 overall and in Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) play.
 
After a scoreless opening period, junior Derek Northrop (St. Louis, MO/De Smet Jesuit High School) connected on a one timer set up by junior line mates Adam Dempski (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell North HS) and Garrett Poole (Columbia, IL/Columbia High School) from the right circle just 54 seconds into the second period. Illinois answered right back with a goal of their own a minute later to tie the game at one.
 
The Fighting Illini took the lead midway through the period. Two minutes later, senior Nathan Gaterman (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh High School) found the back of the net on a one timer from Dempski. The score remained tied at two heading into the final period.
 
After back and forth play in the third period, neither team found the back of the net, sending the game to overtime.
 
Two minutes into a five minute, four on four overtime session, Illinois caught a rebound and fired it in the back of the net to capture a 3-2 win over McKendree.
 
Freshman goalie Mason Young (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville High School) made 36/39 saves in the loss.
 
The Bearcats will be back at it tomorrow as they look for a series split at 5:00pm.