Chesterfield, Mo. - Maryville University hosted the 2022 Midwest College Hockey (MCH) Conference tournament, and the Saints claimed the first tournament championship in program history.

The tournament started last Friday with seeds three through six playing. No. 3 Illinois State beat No. 6 Northern Illinois 6-2, and No. 5 McKendree beat No. 4 Waldorf 5-4. Because of a first round bye, the Saints played the lowest ranked team from the first round winners. On Saturday, Maryville played local rival McKendree. Outshooting the Bearcats 54-14, the Saints won 4-1 with freshman Luke MaCLeod recording two goals in the semifinal game. In the other semi, Illinois State beat No. 2 seed Midland Warriors by a score of 4-2. Maryville would play Illinois State for the conference tournament championship. 
 
Sunday, the Saints came out strong in the first period dictating terms, outshooting the Redbirds 19-11. However, 13 seconds into the second period, Illinois State capitalized on a three on two to go up 1-0. Maryville responded with two goals in the second period, scored by seniors Anthony Stavrou and Brad Boudreau, to go into the final intermission up 2-1. In the final five minutes of the third, Luke MaCLeod and Brad Boudreau would cement the victory with additional goals. The Saints won 4-1 to claim their first conference championship in program history. Maryville will be moving conferences next season to the Central States College Hockey League (CSCHL) to join top 15 teams Lindenwood, Iowa State, Illinois, and Ohio to round out the toughest conference in ACHA Men's 1 hockey. 
 
The 2022 ACHA Men's 1 National Tournament starts Thursday, March 10, with the 14th ranked Saints playing in the first round against No. 19 seeded John Carroll University. This year's tournament will be held in St. Louis at the Centene Community Hockey Center. Puck drop for the Saints is 1:30 p.m. Thursday.