ABOUT LAST WEEK: The Black Bears had a big week with two straight shutouts of Danbury by the scores of 4-0 and 6-0 on Friday and Saturday respectively. Maryland was able to right some early season woes with quicker starts, stronger finishes, and some solid penalty kills. That sweep boosts the Black Bears record to 7-2-1 through the first 10 games of the year.
MEGAPOWERS IN NET: Goaltending has been clutch for the Black Bears. Jack Wieneke’s 4-0-0 record to start the year garnered him Goalie of the Month honors for September. Creasemate Colin Ronan had a big weekend last weekend with two straight shutouts and Second Star of the Week honors. The two have combined for a 1.63 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.
STRONG FINISH: The last 20 minutes is where the offense and defense for the Black Bears shine. Going into this weekend’s games, the Black Bears have outscored their opponents 14-2. With strong offensive depth and stingy defense, the Black Bears have found the gear to rev up the offense late while not letting the opposition have a counterpunch.
FIRST COMMIT: Kareem El-Bashir became the first Black Bear to give a NCAA college commitment with his commitment to Army West Point. El-Bashir has had a big start to his season with four goals and nine assists, putting him tied for sixth in NAHL scoring so far this season. With six points in his last four games, El-Bashir looks to continue his hot streak post-commitment.
TURNPIKE TRAVEL: Maryland heads up to Middletown, New Jersey to take on the New Jersey Titans for the first time this season. The teams both went 4-4-0 against each other last season, with Maryland being 20-28-6 all-time against the Titans. Johnny McMahon, Ryan Novo, Dominik Bartecko, and Leo Schwartz are key returnees that the Black Bears will have to keep their eyes on.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 