New Additions Make Great Impact
September 27, 2024 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Maryland Black Bears News Release
Last week, the Maryland Black Bears welcomed some new and familiar faces back to the roster as the Black Bears secured a two-game sweep over the Danbury Hat Tricks. These changes come as Maryland sorts out its roster for the 2024-2025 season. Here are a little about the roster additions Maryland made.
Tyler Stern: Stern was acquired mid-season during the 2023-2024 campaign from the Black Bears' East Division foe the Philadelphia Rebels and brought some veteran experience to Maryland, playing 77 games for the Rebels organization recording 15 goals and 33 points. Last season Stern played in 32 games for the Black Bears posting five goals and 18 points, with an additional five points in 11 playoff games as Maryland made its deepest playoff run in team history. Stern is known for his gritty style of play and being an excellent piece on the penalty kill.
Evan Sofikitis: Sofikitis was a reliable defenseman in all situations for Maryland during the 2023-2024 season, seeing times on all special teams opportunities. The University of Maine commit put up three goals and 23 points in 50 regular season games along with four points in 11 playoff games for Maryland last season. Sofikitis' 23 points in the regular season was second most amongst defensemen on the team.
Mason Stenger: Stenger was the 8th overall selection of the Maryland Black Bears in this past summer's NAHL draft after Maryland traded up with New Hampshire to select him. The playmaking defenseman impressed with Team TDS Transportation of the Upper Midwest HS Elite League Hockey, putting up 10 points in 20 games. Stenger also played high school hockey for Benilde-St.Margaret's School, putting up nine goals and 30 points in 27 games.
Sam Osei: Osei is a puck-moving defenseman from Shattuck St. Mary's prep system. He caught many scout's eyes during his days in U16 AAA, recording 32 points in 57 games in 2022/2023. He continued his impressive play when he moved up to U18 AAA, putting up 20 points in 41 games.
Isac Nielsen: This season will be Nielsen's first in North America after playing all of his hockey in his native Sweden prior to this season. His last season in 2023-2024 in Sweden for Rögle BK J20 was his most impressive to date, scoring 24 goals and 35 points in 47 games. His Maryland debut showcased his scoring ability and hand eye coordination, batting a puck out of midair for his first goal as a Black Bear against the Danbury Hat Tricks this past weekend.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2024
- Lubimov Wins First Start in Net as Wranglers Conquer Mountain Kings 4-1 - Amarillo Wranglers
- Nikita Volsky Pitches Shutout Against Springfield in Blaine - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bugs Come up Short against USNTDP in NAHL Showcase - Shreveport Mudbugs
- New Additions Make Great Impact - Maryland Black Bears
- Black Bears Snag Two Wins at NAHL Showcase - Maryland Black Bears
- Tonight's Takeaways: Danbury Ends Showcase with Loss vs Kenai River - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
- Hat Tricks Roughed up by Kenai River in Showcase Finale - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
- Ice Wolves' Rally Falls Short - New Mexico Ice Wolves
- Titans End Showcase with Loss - New Jersey Titans
- NAHL Showcase Game 2 Recap - Minot Minotauros
- 2024 Showcase Games: Rhinos Fall 4-3 to Black Bears - El Paso Rhinos
- Makar Strong in Net, Leads to Wolverines Second Win - Anchorage Wolverines
- Wings Get Win Number Two of 24-25 Regular Season - Aberdeen Wings
- Maguire's Late Goal Lifts Wranglers Past Black Bears, 2-1 - Amarillo Wranglers
- Tonight's Takeaways: Hat Tricks Pushed to Their Limits in 3-1 Loss vs Corpus Christi - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Maryland Black Bears Stories
- Maryland Takes on Elmira for First Time in Franchise History
- Black Bears Head North to Face the Mountain Kings
- Nordiques Score Late in Regulation to Top Black Bears
- Maine Gets Better of Maryland in Friday Night Clash
- Maine Returns to Maryland as Top Two Teams in East Clash Again