Nearly halfway to its fundraising goal, Maryville launches next phase of community-powered capital campaign
[ST. LOUIS, MO – August 28, 2025] – Maryville University today announced a major milestone in its plans to elevate its men’s hockey program to NCAA Division I. The move, which has drawn the support of the National Hockey League and the St. Louis Blues, would make Maryville only the second university in St. Louis to join the ranks of Division I hockey, underscoring the city’s reputation as one of the nation’s great hockey communities.
Earlier this year, Maryville launched a bold $5.5 million fundraising campaign to support the transition, centered on major upgrades to the Maryville University 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.
“The 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,” said Maxwell Wagener, St. Louis native, Sophomore forward and 24-25 ACHA Player of the Year.
At the heart of the campaign is a planned expansion of the Maryville University 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.
“This campaign is about more than just facilities or competition,” said John Hogan, director of hockey at Maryville University. “It’s 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’s one we can only achieve together.”
“The growth of hockey in St. Louis has been nothing short of extraordinary—propelled by the Blues’ 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,” said Kevin Westgarth, Vice President of Hockey Development & Strategic Collaboration at the National Hockey League. “Our partnership with Maryville University 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.”
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. Every gift, large or small, helps Maryville hit its $5.5 million goal.
“The St. Louis Blues are proud to support Maryville University in its commitment to providing student-athletes and the community with top-tier facilities and opportunities to compete at the highest level,” said Chris Zimmerman, CEO of the St. Louis Blues. “Maryville’s 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.”
This year’s Maryville season kicks off on September 17 against local rival McKendree University. The home opener at Maryville University Hockey Center follows on Friday, September 19, with the ever-popular Black Out Game against Midland University.
To learn more or to contribute to the campaign, please contact John Hogan at jhogan3@maryville.edu or Kate Whiting at kwhiting@maryville.edu.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University 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’s 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.