How Maryville Makes Their Transition Season A Successful One

Maryville University is continuing its journey towards full Division I hockey in 2027-28. In the interim, the Saints will play a transition year this fall. According to the March 6 announcement, there will be a "D1 transition/hybrid team for the 26-27 season playing roughly 20 NCAA D1 games." In order to make the upcoming campaign a success in my eyes, there a few benchmarks Maryville must meet.

Being in St. Louis, Maryville has a very unique opportunity having Lindenwood University just over 12 miles away. This sets up a natural geographic rivalry between the Saints and the Lions. Both schools are fledgling hockey programs, with Lindenwood joining Division I in 2022.

Maryville will have four opportunities to build some bad blood during their transition. These include their final game of the calendar year and last matchup of the season. Also, both Lindenwood and Maryville are Independent, so it is likely they could face one another a fifth time in the United Collegiate Hockey Cup.

A rivalry between these two universities is good locally and for college hockey as a whole. Each institution gets increased revenue from streaming, ticket sales and merchandise. On a larger scale, animosity between teams is what fuels hockey and sports in general. It is a matter of how bitter–not if–this rivalry is built.

The Saints are playing a pair of games against a trio of the top ACHA DI (Club) teams in the country. Maryville will host Midland University, UNLV and Liberty. All three of these squads are perennial contenders for ACHA DI National Championship, with UNLV even beating Denver 7-6 in an exhibition game on Dec. 28, 2024.

While club achievements are impressive, Maryville simply has a higher caliber of player inbound–especially after the CHL Rule Change. The Saints have sixteen freshmen coming to campus including Blues' seventh round selection Antoine Dorion. Of course there will be  some growing pains as the group comes together, but Maryville should be able to handle business against these high quality ACHA opponents

Quinnipiac is a front runner for the 2027 National Championship and will receive the newest future Division I program on Jan. 2. While the Bobcats are expected to beat Maryville, the guys from Hamden are not infallible. Alaska Fairbanks beat Quinnipiac twice last year, including a shootout win on the road in Connecticut.

Even if the Saints fall, if they play to their scheme and exhibit good compete level, it will be a character building contest for the young group. That game is one I have circled on my calendar.

There's a lot Maryville can accomplish in 2026-27. They have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a fruitful future in St. Louis by accomplishing these objectives I've laid out. Fans of college hockey should be rooting for the Saints this fall.