Lebanon, IL - When McKendree University Athletics was in search of a new M1 Head Men's Hockey Coach, it turns out, they didn't have to go far. Christian Blandina, a Bearcat Men's Hockey alum who previously served as the M3 Head Men's Hockey Coach, was promoted internally and named the M1 Head Coach in advance of the 2026-27 academic year.
Blandina spent the 2025-2026 season on the bench for the Bearcats as the M1 Assistant Coach as well, that being his first season on the McKendree staff. He began the year, however, as the M3 Assistant Coach before eventually taking over as M3 head coach in the fall.
The Glen Carbon, Illinois native has not ventured far from the halls of the McKendree campus either, having previously served as a coach at nearby Edwardsville High School from 2017-2020.
During his time as a student with the Bearcats, Blandina was in the men's hockey program while working towards multiple majors: sport management, business administration, and marketing, that trio making him a two-time McKendree graduate in 2021 and 2022.
He calls the promotion to M1 Head Coach "full circle", adding that it really was a "perfect combination of everything". Blandina says that he wants to establish his own footprint on the program while continuing to blend what was well under his predecessor, Brett DeNap. His top priorities are to give the older players the best last experience as possible, whilst also trying to bring the new players in and have them adapt to the culture that has been set by the older players, one he calls a "culture of accountability".
It will be a unique start to the Blandina Era, as the M1 Bearcats will debut their 2026-2027 schedule on the road against the Kentucky Wildcats, with puck drop set for 11:59 PM Central Time. Blandina calls it "interesting", but also notes that it's "fun going to a big school like that".
Blandina fits in well with the local hockey community, emphasizing the Blues are his favorite National Hockey League team, his favorite hockey movie being Miracle, and simply enjoying the sport to the extent where it was hard for him to narrow down a favorite player.
FULL BLANDINA STATEMENT ON HIS HIRING:
"I'm excited for the opportunity to return to McKendree and lead the Division I Men's Hockey program. Having played here, I understand what this program means and the standard that comes with wearing the jersey. The culture we've set here is going to be reliant on accountability, hard work, and perseverance. Our coaching staff is committed to challenging our players every day to be the best versions of themselves. Our student-athletes are not only going to have success on the ice, but also in the classroom as well. By demanding excellence in our program, we are building a strong foundation for the future of McKendree Hockey, as well as preparing our players for the next phase of their lives."
For more on Bearcat Men's Hockey, be sure to follow the team's X account (@BearcatsHockey) and Instagram account (@mckendreehockey).
