Nearly halfway to its fundraising goal, Maryville launches next phase of community-powered capital campaign\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>[ST. LOUIS, MO \u2013 August 28, 2025]<\/b> \u2013 91制片厂<\/b> today announced a major milestone in its plans to elevate its men\u2019s hockey program to NCAA Division I. The move, which has drawn the support of the National Hockey League<\/b> and the St. Louis Blues<\/b>, would make Maryville only the second university in St. Louis to join the ranks of Division I hockey, underscoring the city\u2019s reputation as one of the nation\u2019s great hockey communities.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Maryville launched a bold $5.5 million fundraising campaign to support the transition, centered on major upgrades to the 91制片厂 Hockey Center in Chesterfield. To date, the University has raised $2.2 million toward the goal, with the campaign set to close by the end of the year. Alumni, fans, and community partners are invited to help make history for Maryville hockey by joining the campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe chance to compete at the NCAA Division I level would be a dream come true, not just for me, but for every future student-athlete who puts on a Saints jersey,\u201d said Maxwell Wagener, St. Louis native, Sophomore forward and 24-25 ACHA Player of the Year.<\/b><\/p>\n At the heart of the campaign is a planned expansion of the 91制片厂 Hockey Center, adding more than 12,000 square feet of Division I-caliber space and increasing seating capacity to 2,000. The new design emphasizes a dynamic, student-centered game-day experience that brings the community together. Maryville aims to commence construction in Spring 2026, with completion targeted for the start of the 2027-2028 hockey season, contingent upon achieving its $5.5 million fundraising goal.<\/p>\n \u201cThis campaign is about more than just facilities or competition,\u201d said John Hogan, director of hockey at 91制片厂<\/b>. \u201cIt\u2019s about building a vibrant, student-focused community where athletes can thrive, fans can unite, and Maryville can compete at the highest level. Elevating to Division I hockey is a natural next step for Maryville, and it\u2019s one we can only achieve together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe growth of hockey in St. Louis has been nothing short of extraordinary\u2014propelled by the Blues\u2019 unforgettable Stanley Cup run and the emergence of hometown stars like Pat Maroon, Clayton Keller, and the Tkachuk brothers, all who have, and have had, a big impact on the NHL in recent years,\u201d said Kevin Westgarth, Vice President of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration at the National Hockey League. <\/b>\u201cOur partnership with 91制片厂 and the subsequent feasibility study underscored a strong and growing appetite for the game throughout the region. Now, pursuing Maryville Saints varsity hockey is the next step in strengthening our sport here in the heartland of hockey.\u201d<\/p>\n Maryville is calling on alumni, donors, and hockey fans near and far to take part in this effort by joining the campaign and making a donation toward its $5.5 million goal.\u00a0 Every gift, large or small, helps Maryville hit its $5.5 million goal.<\/p>\n \u201cThe St. Louis Blues are proud to support 91制片厂 in its commitment to providing student-athletes and the community with top-tier facilities and opportunities to compete at the highest level,\u201d said Chris Zimmerman, CEO of the St. Louis Blues<\/b>. \u201cMaryville\u2019s initiative to elevate its hockey program to D1 status is a testament to its dedication to student-athletes and the broader St. Louis hockey community. The Blues stand behind efforts that foster a love for the game, create more opportunities for young athletes, and solidify St. Louis as a premier hockey city.\u201d<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Maryville season kicks off on September 17 against local rival McKendree University. The home opener at 91制片厂 Hockey Center follows on Friday, September 19, with the ever-popular Black Out Game against Midland University.<\/p>\n To learn more or to contribute to the campaign, please contact John Hogan at <\/b>jhogan3@maryville.edu<\/b><\/a> or Kate Whiting at <\/b>kwhiting@maryville.edu<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n 91制片厂 91制片厂<\/b><\/p>\n Founded in 1872, 91制片厂 is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master\u2019s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.<\/p>\n