O'FALLON, Ill.-- McKendree's D1 Men's hockey team will get the season started Wednesday Night as they will take on the Saints of Maryville University at 7:30 p.m. at the McKendree Metro RecPlex. 

Coach Garry Henson will enter his ninth season as head coach for the Bearcats, who are coming off of last year's covid shortened season, which saw them go 4-7-0 in their games. This year's season will feature 26 games before the start of playoffs. 

The first game of the season comes with a big test against rival Maryville University Saints. The two teams played each other six times in 2020-21 season, with four games being won by the Saints. The last time the Bearcats took the ice as well was against these very Saints, with the Bearcats winning by a score of 4-2 back on March 21st earlier this year. 

This is the Bearcat's first game of the season, whereas their opponent in the Saints of Maryville University have already played 4 games & have a record of 4-0-0 going into this contest Wednesday Night. The Saints are coming off a weekend series against the University of Illinois which saw a series finale ending with a comeback overtime win for the Saints 5-4.

The Bearcats home games will return in the Main Rink this season, with crowds welcome for games.