The Maryland Black Bears made some moves ahead of the roster deadline on Friday. Some trades, some releases, and some familiar faces.
First, the Black Bears traded Leo Schwartz to the New Jersey Titans for a tender contract. In 34 games with Maryland, Schwartz had a goal and six assists. The Brown University commit will join the defending Robbie Cup champs as they revamp their roster.
Second, Maryland welcomed back two familiar faces in Branden Piku and Brayden Stannard. Piku, who was up with the USHL Youngstown Phantoms, spent his last two seasons in Maryland with 24 goals and 63 points in 85 games. Stannard is two years removed from the Black Bears, as he played in the shortened 2019-20 season with 13 goals and 35 points. Stannard played the last two seasons split with Green Bay, Youngstown, and Lincoln of the USHL.
The Black Bears also picked up Trey Scott from Youngstown. Scott played last season in the NCDC with the Boston Jr. Bruins with a goal and 15 assists from the point.
With the additions, more releases had to be made. While they are not official, Birch Gorman and Cody Melanson are off the active roster for Maryland. Gorman played five games and had eight PIMs. Melanson played two games with four PIMs.
With three players down to injury or illness, the Black Bears are carrying five over the 24 player limit and are probably going to need to make room when the injuries are recuperated.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 