As we are starting to turn the page to September, that means hockey season is just about here. And here at Clutch and Crab Hockey, we’re ready to go. So here’s some news and notes to start things going.
First off, I’m coming home.
Yup, I am moving back to Maryland at the end of September due to some (great) life events that help lead this way– so I’ll be able to report from much closer than I have been in North Dakota. Which is great. However, as you’ve heard from Chesapeake Hockey Week and Defending the Den– there’s a lot of teams out there in Maryland to be had, which is a good problem to have; but doesn’t mean there’s a lot of time to get to it, even in person. That said, I’ll do what I can within my ability to get to a variety of games (future job permitting, as well) and provide solid coverage of area hockey, actually from the area.
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Next up, over to Piney Orchard where the Maryland Black Bears look to defend their East Division crown in a much deeper East Division with the addition of two new teams. With 12 returning players from last season and more depth from the Draft, the Black Bears look to continue to wreak havoc on their divisional foes. The Black Bears first exhibition is against Philadelphia on September 1st at 2 PM with coverage being streamed on NAHL TV.
The Black Bears affiliate, Team Maryland, has gone through many changes with head coach Josh Fusco moving to the NCAA ranks. Enter Eric Progen from the Northeast Generals system of hockey to lead Team Maryland, as they try to recreate last season’s success that led them to a divisional final. No word on exhibitions, but the season starts for Team Maryland on September 15th at Piney Orchard.
Both teams, however, did lose a piece of their off-ice success with Robyn Remick stepping down as President to head to Old Glory DC Rugby Club and use her business savvy toward the sport of rugby. Fear not, as Chris Rogers has stepped into the role after two seasons in the front office and learned a thing or two from Robyn in that time. Here’s to both in their advancements.
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Club hockey season is coming up, too, as Navy, Maryland, Stevenson, and Salisbury all take the ice for training camp and try-outs. With each school, sans Salisbury, having two teams in their system; the competition should be tough and the talent should be high as these schools look to continue their success.
Navy is looking for a third-straight ECHA title and third-straight trip to Nationals, while Maryland looks to improve on their wild playoff ride in the MACH, as they and Stevenson look to make new ground in the ACCHL. Stevenson will join Maryland in the ACCHL and will look to rebound from their up-and-down season last year. Salisbury is coming off a big season that saw them reach the AAU Nationals and have a decent showing there as that program continues to build steam.
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On the women’s club hockey front there’s a bit of a confusion, as both Navy and Maryland put out their schedules with Towson and Loyola nowhere to be found, sadly. Navy will look to get back to Nationals for a third straight season after winning the DVCHC once again. Maryland had a bit of a middling year, but will look to build off momentum late in the year to get back to a dominant force.
Last season, Towson was shuttered due to not having enough players to field a competitive roster and it looks that that may have struck again and seeped over to Loyola. Towson has been radio silent since the middle of last season, while Loyola had a call-to-action in the summer looking for players, but not much since then. Here’s hoping there’s some news for the better on the horizon for those teams.
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That’s just a brief look at things to come. We will do our best to cover as much as possible for you all on here and in podcast form. Looking forward to another great season of hockey out of the state of Maryland.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 