For the first time in franchise history, the Maryland Black Bears are headed to the post-season.
With the Maine Nordiques beating the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks in regulation Friday night allowed the Black Bears to clinch a spot on points percentage. Especially considering the 2019-20 season was cut short due to COVID, this is a huge accomplishment for this franchise to get into the playoffs; as it would be for any franchise for a chance to play for the league title.
From a team that was put together in less than four months in their first season, to starting to gain an identity and be in a playoff spot int the second season, to now being a team who will finish at or above .500 at the end of the season and will be playing for a chance to get to the Robertson Cup. On top of that, this season also had to deal with the injury bug that most teams face; but also a long losing streak in the middle of the season they had to bond together and overcome– which is something that should help them in the playoff setting.
Even with the playoff berth, there’s still three games to play. The focus is going to be on being smart about how they play in terms of discipline in not wanting to get suspended, as well as trying not to get injured– but also playing competitive enough to keep the in-game reps going for the post-season. The fact is, Saturday night’s game could be a preview of the first round match-up with Johnstown having won the East Division and Maryland still fighting between 3rd and 4th spot.
Enjoy the berth tonight, get back to work for Saturday’s game, as well as next weekend’s games to close out the regular side of the schedule. One box has been checked off, now to focus on the next boxes in the way.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 