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, ending with the returning players. (All stats are total from the Black Bears. All photos via Jon Pitonzo/FOHS Media Faction)
Luke Amell, 6g, 21a, 27pts: Coming over from the USHL at the end of 2022-23, Amell established himself as a force on the blue line with plenty of physicality to dish out, while showing his offensive side in 2023-24 with six goals from the blue line. His performance this past season helped him secure a Division 1 chance at Sacred Heart University, which is a solid payoff for the hard work he put into the last year and a half with Maryland.
Samuel Stitz, 23g, 45a, 68pts: A graduate through the Team Maryland pipeline, Stitz joined the team last year and made a big impact up front. Not afraid to mix it up in the corners, Stitz also had the ability to find the prime scoring areas. Even with missing half of 2023-24 to injury, Stitz came back without missing a beat with a better than a point-per-game average on the year and a solid playoff run. Stitz will embark on a new journey at the Air Force Academy, where he’ll balance hockey and military life moving onward.
Riley Ruh, 22g, 17a, 39pts: Despite having an injury to start the season, Ruh was able to build off his stellar 2023 Robertson Cup performance. Putting in the work, Ruh’s skill shone through in his time with Maryland and he was a key offensive threat for the Black Bears. Not only that, he was a Swiss-army knife who could be used in any situation. After his time out east, Ruh will go back west to play with the University of Arizona for his college career and will surely make a big impact with the Wildcats.
Trayce Johnson, 8g, 30a, 38pts: A three-year Black Bear, Johnson was someone who built up his on-ice resume through the work he put in to establish himself as a team leader and tenacious competitor. Johnson was able to move his gameplay to a two-way defenseman, often being the first on the forecheck, while not neglecting his defensive duties either. As of this posting, Johnson is uncommitted, but his character would fit into any college who takes a flyer on him.
Jesse Horacek, 32g, 58a, 90pts: Another graduate from the Team Maryland system, Horacek played parts of four seasons with the Black Bears. A consistent two-way player for Maryland and one of the top power play scorers in franchise history. Horacek showed his leadership on the ice with his no-nonsense attitude, sticking up for his teammates, and leading by example. A nose for the net, Horacek has yet to announce his future plans, but he will be a long-term asset for wherever he chooses to go next.
Dimitry Kebreau, 51g, 60a, 111pts: With his name atop many franchise mark, Kebreau’s consistency was a cornerstone for his success in his four years with the Black Bears. A hard-nosed player, Kebreau was used in any and every scenario over his junior career and he showed that he could thrive when put into those positions. Kebreau’s development on and off the ice was a blueprint for players who want to grow in juniors and allowed him to commit to the University of Alaska-Anchorage to continue his career.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 