(ST. LOUIS, Mo., Sept. 20) – The McKendree University D2 hockey team opened its season with a 6-4 loss on the road to Saint Louis University on Friday night. The Bearcats will look for a split tomorrow night, as they host the Billikens for their home opener.
 
The Bearcats got off to a slow start, falling behind 3-0 after 25 minutes of play. Freshman Noah Scrum (Maryville, IL/Collinsville High School) notched his first collegiate goal off a pass from junior Christian Blandina (Glen Carbon, IL/Edwardsville High School) to cut the lead to 3-1. With four minutes remaining in the second period, junior Nick Nelson (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell High School) scored the second Bearcat goal, on a powerplay, off another assist from Blandina. After two periods of play, the Billikens led 3-2.
 
Freshman Cayden Brilley (Decatur, IL/St. Teresa) tied the contest at three with help from junior Tyler Estermyer (Plano, TX/East Lake High School). Shortly after, Scrum would push McKendree ahead with his second goal of the game. Blandina dished out his third assist on the goal.
 
Saint Louis answered back with three goals to take a 6-4 victory over the Bearcats.
 
In net, sophomore Joey Bernardini (Chesterfield, MO/Christian Brothers College High School) record 12/14 saves in one period of play while freshman Adam Siek (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada/St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School) made 14/17 saves in two periods.