On Saturday, the Black Bears announced they had traded three-year Black Bear and former 1st Round pick Aden Bruich to the El Paso Rhinos for a tender and player development fee. Bruich leaves the Black Bears with 22 goals and 44 points over 126 games played. With the Black Bears, Bruich ranked 3rd in all-time goals, tied for 2nd in game-winning goals (4), 2nd in games played, and 1st in power play goals (7).
Drafted 3rd overall in 2019, Bruich’s size and skill helped him make the roster in his 17-year-old season. A true definition of a power forward, Bruich is a menace driving to the net, along the boards, and pretty much anywhere on the ice. Able to play in any spot, Bruich will definitely boost an El Paso squad coming off their first season in the NAHL where they finished 8th in the South Division.
In getting a tender and developmental fees, it gives Maryland a little flexibility with their roster in picking up another player as we head towards the NAHL Draft on June 15th. The Black Bears have announced four of their tenders at the tail-end of the season and into the off-season: Ervie Terwilliger, Riley Ruh, Nickita Moiseev, and Kaleb Tiessen.
Bruich was a pillar for the Black Bears in his time. While he did get hampered with some injuries, the impact he made on the ice was noticeable. Off the ice, a personable player who made time for everyone who asked and was a leader for the other players to follow.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 