With 11 age-out players, the Black Bears had plenty of experience on their roster this past season. Due to so many outgoing players, I’ve decided to split it up, starting with the one-year players from this year’s Black Bears squad. (All stats are total from the Black Bears. All photos via Jon Pitonzo/FOHS Media Faction)
Colin Ronan, 17-6-3, 2.35 GAA, .907 Sv%: Coming from the Cushing Academy, Ronan brought size and range to the Maryland crease. After a tough first two games, Ronan kept at it and reeled off three straight shutouts in his next three starts and racked up a shutout streak of over 200 minutes in that time. Ronan was able to be a mentor for Owen Lepak in the latter’s first year in junior, while also having a big personality off the ice to help keep the locker room relaxed. While currently uncommitted, Ronan will add plenty of value to any school that he chooses to attend.
Ryder Nienhuis, 8g, 13a, 21pts: Continuing the pipeline from the Mercer Chiefs, Nienhuis brought a big presence to the offense. Nienhuis was a power forward who wasn’t afraid to play the body and get into the corners to muck things up. Making an impact early, Nienhuis netted the overtime winner against New Hampshire with a sneaky wrister that went five-hole and ignited the Piney Orchard crowd. With his next steps still to come, Nienhuis’s skill and pedigree will be a big asset for his future on the ice.
Keaton Lipsett, 0g, 12a, 12pts: While some injuries hampered the big defenseman, Lipsett was a force out on the ice due to his size and reach. On top of that, Lipsett’s versatility was understated, as he was able to play in his own zone, join the rush, as well as using his size to create screens on the power play. With the ability to play at either side of the puck, Lipsett’s upside would be a solid addition to wherever he moves onto next.
Michael Urgo, 3g, 13a, 16pts: One of the local products, Urgo brought energy on and off the ice. With his use throughout the lineup, Urgo showed his ability to adapt to whomever was on his line. Even with his tenacious style of play, Urgo found his scoring touch later on into the season, netting some timely goals, including the game-winner of the Game 1 of the East Semis. As he continues his career at SUNY-Oswego, Urgo will play at a successful program and surely grow his game even further.
Jeremi Tremblay, 22g, 22a, 44pts: With experience in the Canadian junior ranks, Tremblay came to the Black Bears already committed to Sacred Heart University and with plenty of offensive upside. Tremblay was able to show off his offensive prowess with 13 goals in his first 12 games of the season. Tremblay could also dish the puck, providing plenty of assists, especially during the second half of the season. In the Robertson Cup, Tremblay netted five goals in three games to end a solid junior career. Tremblay’s talents should continue to grow as he moves up to Division 1 hockey at Sacred Heart.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 