(O'FALLON, Ill., Jan. 24) – The McKendree University men's D2 hockey team fell just short on Friday night at home against visiting Iowa State, losing in a shootout, 5-4.
 
The Bearcats fall to 7-9-2 overall on the season and 2-9-2 in Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) play.
 
McKendree struck first on the power-play after junior Derek Northrop (St. Louis, MO/De Smet Jesuit High School) knocked in a loose puck. Freshman Noah Scrum (Maryville, IL/Collinsville High School) and junior Adam Dempski (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell North HS) were credited with assists. After one period of play, the Bearcats up 1-0.
 
In the second period, the Bearcats extended their lead courtesy of freshman Chris Noble (Holiday, FL/East Lake High School) off a pass from junior Tyler Estermyer (Plano, TX/East Lake High School). The Cyclones would cut the lead back to one five minutes later but McKendree took a 2-1 lead into the final period of play.
 
In an action packed third period, Iowa State struck twice in the first six minutes to take a 3-2 lead. Junior Garrett Poole (Columbia, IL/Columbia High School) knotted the game at three off a one-timer set up by junior Riley Brown (Granite City, IL/Granite City High School) on the power-play. Four minutes later, the Cyclones answered back to regain the lead at 4-3. With the goalie on the bench and an extra skater on the ice, the Bearcats tied the game at four off Poole's second goal of the game. Scrum and Northrop were credited with the helpers on the goal.
 
After 60 minutes of regulation play, the two teams headed to a four on four, five minute overtime session. Neither team found the back of the net and the game would be settled by a shootout. Iowa State scored with its fourth chance to take a 5-4 victory over McKendree.
 
Freshman goalie Adam Siek (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada/St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School) made 28/32 saves in his efforts, good for a .875 save percentage.
 
Saturday's game will begin at 5:00pm after the senior night festivities where five student-athletes will play their final home game as a Bearcat.