(O'FALLON, Ill., Oct. 19) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team completed the sweep of Maryville University by the score of 3-1 on Saturday night. This marks the Bearcats first sweep of the season.
 
McKendree advances to 3-2 overall on the season.
 
The Bearcats wasted no time getting on the board as junior Christian Blandina (Glen Carbon, IL/Edwardsville High School) was set up by junior Riley Brown (Granite City, IL/Granite City High School) to put McKendree ahead 1-0. Maryville knotted the game at one 10 minutes later. After the opening 20 minutes, the contest was even at 1-1.
 
Both teams exchanged scoring opportunities in the second period, but neither team could find the back of the net.
 
Junior Nick Nelson (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell High School) scored the game winning goal with eight minutes remaining in the third period. Freshman Noah Scrum (Maryville, IL/Collinsville High School) and Brown were credited with the helpers. With the Saints pulling their goalie for an extra skater, junior Derek Northrop (St. Louis, MO/De Smet Jesuit High School) iced the game with an empty net goal.
 
Sophomore goalie Joey Bernardini (Chesterfield, MO/Christian Brothers College High School) was brilliant, making 32/33 saves in the win.
 
The Bearcats will be back on the ice on Oct. 25 as they host the first game of a home and home series with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.