(CHESTERFIELD, Mo., Jan. 20) – The McKendree University men's D1 hockey team secured the season series over Maryville University on Monday afternoon with a 5-1 win over the Saints. The Bearcats won three out of the four matchups including back to back 5-1 victories.

The Bearcats advance to 10-2 overall and 8-2 in Midwest College Hockey (MCH) play.

Lazar Lestaric (Belgrade, Serbia/National Sports Academy USHS) put McKendree ahead early, scoring an unassisted goal five minutes into the opening period. Minutes later, senior Tyler Wilson (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada/) connected with junior Daniel Nordlander (Göteborg, Sweden/Wasaskolan Tingsryd), pushing the lead to 2-0. The Bearcats held a two goal lead heading into the first intermission.

Three minutes into the middle period, junior Aleks Ivasenko (Riga, Latvia/Riga 1. Distance Education High School) extended the lead to three with help from Ryan Radke and Nordlander. McKendree carried a shutout into the third period, up 3-0.

Senior Dominic Naas (Neurensdorf, Zurich, Switzerland/Casper Coyotes WSHL) found the back of the net, adding to the lead with a pass from Lestaric. Maryville ruined the shutout, scoring a goal with two minutes left in the game. Senior Tyler Wilson (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada/) answered back with an empty net goal to secure a 5-1 win for McKendree. Junior Ryan Reader (Granite City, IL/Granite City High School) was credited with an assist on the goal.

Once again, Andrew Best (Midland, Ontario, Canada/Cambridge Bears Junior A team) was excellent between the pipes, stopping 29/30 shots, for a .966 save percentage.

The Bearcats will be back on the road this upcoming weekend Jan. 24-25 for MCH play against Midland University.