The Ice Bears dropped a pair of disappointing games to the Ferris State Bulldogs last weekend in front of two big crowds at Mediacom Ice Park. Both games were tied 2-2 midway through the second period. But the Bulldogs were able to pull away on each night, winning 5-3 on Friday and 7-4 on Saturday. The team will now travel to St. Louis next weekend for three games at the ACHA Division II Showcase in Wentzville, Missouri. The JV Ice Bears were on the road last weekend in Indianapolis for games against Purdue. After losing 4-3 on Friday night, the team rallied for a 7-4 victory on Saturday. The team is idle next weekend before hitting the road again for games against Robert Morris - Peoria on Oct. 16/17.

The Ice Bears began the 2009-10 season on a high note, earning a sweep over the Eastern Illinois Panthers in Danville, Illinois. Senior BJ Norman led the Ice Bears' attack on Friday night, netting a hat trick in the 9-2 win. The Ice Bears then defeated the Panthers, an MACHA Gold Division opponent, by a score of 8-3 on Saturday afternoon. The Ice Bears will be on home ice next weekend for two games against the Ferris State Bulldogs. The JV Ice Bears also opened their season over the weekend, taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks in Springdale, Arkansas. The team also swept, defeating the Razorbacks by scores of 5-3 on Friday night and 3-1 on Saturday. The JV squad will be on the road again next weekend at Purdue.

With tryouts now complete and the rosters set, both Ice Bears teams are preparing for the 2009-10 ACHA hockey season. The Varsity Ice Bears were to begin the season at home on September 18th against the Louisville Cardinals. But due to internal issues with Louisville, those games have been cancelled and the Ice Bears will now begin their season on the road against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 25th. The home opener will now take place on Oct. 2nd against the Ferris State Bulldogs. The JV Ice Bears will begin their season on Sept. 25th against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Springdale. The JV squad will make its home debut on Oct. 23rd against Western Illinois. For Ice Bears ticket information, contact Missouri State Tix at (417) 836-7678.

The Ice Bears welcomed 53 players last weekend to their second summer mini-camp, held at Mediacom Ice Park in Springfield. Judging from the level of play on the ice, competition for roster spots will be tight once again when the team holds tryouts later this month. The Ice Bears will hold an orientation meeting on Sunday, August 23, from 7-9 p.m. at Plaster Student Union (meeting room # TBD). All veterans and interested new players should attend. To see the complete tryout schedule, click on the link below. The team has also posted the 2009-10 schedules for both teams. Click on the Schedules link for details. The Varsity home opener is set for September 18th vs. the Louisville Cardinals.

The registration form for the Ice Bears second 2009 mini-camp session is available online and the 7/25-26 mini-camp session will be held at Mediacom Ice Park in Springfield. The mini-camps are open to all high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, transfers, and returning players. Information regarding dates and times is listed below. Please click on the link and fill out all information on the form. If you have any questions regarding the mini-camp, please call GM Stan Melton at 417-887-9762. We look forward to seeing you on the ice!