The #11 ranked Maryville Saints took on the #25 ranked Redbirds from Illinois State this past weekend. On Friday, Jake Hanebrink notched an early goal, but the Saints were on their heels for most of the game. Illinois State tailed two goals quickly after the first minute score from Hanebrink to enter the first intermission up 2-1. The second period was more of the same as the Saints couldn't find their stride. Entering the third period, still down 2-1, Maryville showed why they were picked to win the MCH conference in the preseason coaches vote. Freshman Will Smith scored eight minutes into the third to tie the game at 2. Soon after, with only 6:51 left in the contest, defenseman Garrett Hunter scored a backhanded shot from just above the hash marks to give the Saints a 3-2 lead. The Saints were able to fend off a 6-on-4 (2 minute penalty and pulled goalie) last minute push from the Redbirds to capture their second late game comeback in November. Netminder Ed Coffey record his fourth win of the season making 31 saves. 
 
Saturday's game for the Saints was a much better depiction of how Coach Hogan expects his squad to compete. Playing on their toes, skating north, playing as five man units, and dictating terms, Captain Jack Harrison started the night's scoring frenzy 13 minutes into the first period - his seventh goal of the season. Additional goals were scored by Frankie Cardinale, Brad Boudreau, Damian Caringi, and (2) Anthony Stavrou. When it was all said and done, the Saints extended their winning streak to five games beating Illinois State by a score of 6-0. Ed Coffey completed his first back-to-back starts this season, recording his first shutout of the year making 26 saves. 
 
Entering the Thanksgiving break, the 12-4-1 Saints will rest this week before returning for one final weekend series before the semester's end. Because of some unforeseen schedule complications, the Saints will now play both rivals, McKendree and Lindenwood, to end the 2021 year. Maryville will take on the Bearcats from McKendree Friday, Dec. 3, at 8:15 p.m. The Lindenwood Lions will be Saturday's foe with the game slated to start at 7:15 p.m. Both games will be at the Maryville University Hockey Center and streamed live on YouTube on the Maryville Saints Hockey Network.