(SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 1) – The McKendree University men's D1 hockey team closed out a series with Missouri State University on Saturday night, falling to the Ice Bears 4-2. The Bearcats will now return to home ice next weekend to host Northern Illinois University.
 
The loss moves the Bearcats to 12-4 overall on the season.
 
After two periods of play, McKendree was down 2-0 to Missouri State. Four minutes into the third period, the Ice Bears tacked on another goal to take a three goal lead.
 
Lazar Lestaric (Belgrade, Serbia/National Sports Academy USHS) got the Bearcats on the board, breaking the shutout with four minutes remaining in the final period on an unassisted goal. 20 seconds later, Missouri State answered back, pushing the lead back to three. Sophomore Nikita Sokov (Pervourlask, Russia/School #15) scored a late goal with 32 seconds remaining in the game with help from senior Tyler Wilson (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada/).
 
The Bearcats would go on to fall 4-2 to Missouri State.