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Maryland Black Bears

Maryland Clinches East Division Crown With Win Over Johnstown

April 5, 2024 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Maryland Black Bears News Release


The Maryland Black Bears entered Friday night's game with a chance at numerous accolades. They eyed their second consecutive regular season East Division title and needed one point to set a franchise record for most points in a season, and one win to set a franchise record for most wins in a single season. And with a 4-1 over the Johnstown Tomahawks, the Black Bears accomplished all their goals and secured the top seed in the East Division for the Robertson Cup playoffs.

The Tomahawks got the scoring started with a powerplay goal on a two-on-none rush when Maryland was caught on a bad line change. Johnstown defenseman Justin Gibson slid the puck across to Tomahawks' forward Reid Lune who tapped it into the empty net for a 1-0 lead. Maryland responded with a powerplay goal of their own when forward and captain Dimitry Kebreau let a wrist shot go from the near circle on the two-man advantage, beating Johnstown goalie Zach Ferris for a 1-1 tie. Black Bears defenseman Dylan Gordon broke the tie in the second period, pouncing on a loose puck on the far circle and beating Ferris top left side for a 2-1 Maryland lead.

The Black Bears struck twice in the third period just 1:08 apart. The first goal was scored by forward Jérémi Tremblay, who got a pass from forward Kareem El-Bashir at the lower portion of the near circle. Tremblay turned and fired the puck short side to make it 3-1. Moments later, forward Riley Ruh deflected a shot past Ferris and in for a 4-1 score that would hold up as the final. Maryland goalie Colin Ronan made 14 saves in the winning effort as Maryland set franchise records for most points (87) and wins (41) in a single season while also securing the East Division regular season crown.

The Black Bears have a chance to add to the win and point totals as they face the Johnstown Tomahawks in their final regular season game. Regardless of the outcome, Maryland has secured home ice throughout the East Division portion of the Robertson Cup playoffs and a bye week through the play-in round. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Piney Orchard Ice Arena. The game can also be streamed on NAHLTV.

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