Springfield, MO - The McKendree University M1 Men's Hockey team battled through a hard-fought weekend against Missouri State at Brightspeed Ice Park, coming away with a split in the two-game series. The Bearcats dropped Friday night's contest in a high-scoring affair (6-2 final), but bounced back on Saturday with a thrilling shootout victory (3-2) to close the set, continuing to show their growth early in the season.
GAME ONE | MISSOURI STATE 6, McKENDREE 2 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
Friday's opener was defined by offensive firepower on both sides, though Missouri State was able to capitalize more often in a 6-2 decision. The Bears struck first midway through the opening period and used a four-goal third period to put the game out of reach.
Jacob Begich provided the first goal of the night for McKendree in the second period, before
Matias Alexandrov found the net in the final frame off an assist from
Rycol Davis.
Despite the scoreline, the Bearcats generated plenty of chances with 38 shots on goal, pushing Missouri State in goal throughout the evening.
Greyson Skirpan turned aside 54 shots in the net for McKendree, weathering a barrage of 60 total attempts. Power plays and penalty kills played a decisive role, as Missouri State converted three of four power-play opportunities, while the Bearcats were held scoreless on their three chances with the man advantage.
GAME TWO | McKENDREE 3, MISSOURI STATE 2 (SO) | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH
The Bearcats regrouped Saturday night and came away with a gutsy 3-2 shootout victory to even the series. After falling behind by two goals early in the third period, McKendree responded with resilience.
Brady Nance broke through at the 7:11 mark off a setup from
Sawyer Lownsdale, and less than six minutes later, Begich struck again - his second goal of the weekend - assisted by Lownsdale and
Joe McCormick, tying the game at 2-2.
Goaltender Mason Haselhors stood tall between the pipes, making 50 saves on 52 shots in the full 65 minutes of regulation and overtime. Neither side scored in the extra period, sending the contest to a shootout where McKendree ultimately prevailed to secure the win. The Bearcats' defensive discipline tightened from the previous night, holding Missouri State scoreless on three power plays and battling through just four penalties of their own.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
vs. Waldorf Warriors (1-1-0)
at McKendree Metro Rec Plex - O'Fallon, IL
Friday, September 26th - 7:30 PM
Watch Live (GLVCSN)
