(O'FALLON, Ill., Oct. 18) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team overcame a late third period goal to win 2-1 in overtime against the Saints from Maryville University on Friday evening. The Bearcats will look for a sweep of the Saints tomorrow night at 5:00pm.
 
The win pushes the Bearcats over .500 at 3-2 overall.
 
 McKendree came out flying in the first period, firing 22 shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net after numerous chances. After the opening 20 minutes of play, the game headed into the first intermission scoreless.
 
Midway through the second period, junior Riley Brown (Granite City, IL/Granite City High School) found a loose puck in the crease and pushed it by the Saint netminder to take a 1-0 lead. Maryville fought back but the Bearcat defense held strong throughout the period to carry a 1-0 lead into the final period.
 
After back and forth play to begin the third period, Maryville tied the game up at one with just under two minutes remaining in the game, pushing the game to overtime.
 
Junior Adam Dempski (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell North HS) scored the game winning goal three minutes into overtime. Dempski took a pass from Brown in the Bearcat zone, carried it down the ice, and cut in front of the opposing goalie and slid it in the back of the net.
 
Freshman goalie Mason Young (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville High School) made 34/35 saves in the overtime winner.