Black Bears forward Matteo Menotti battles for the puck.
The Maryland Black Bears NAHL hockey team recorded their first win of the season Wednesday night in Blaine, Minnesota, with a 4-3 victory over the Springfield Jr. Blues. The Black Bears entered the weekend 0-1-1 (W-L-OTL) after dropping a regulation loss and an overtime loss vs. the New Jersey Titans last weekend.
Trailing 0-2 at first intermission, an astounding four-goal second period effort by the Black Bears proved to be the difference. Maryland’s offense was led by Connor Pooley, who opened the scoring with two goals just 1:42 apart. Both were assisted by winger Matteo Menotti, who added a third assist later in the game to complete the “playmaker” (3 assists in one game).
Maryland defenseman, Luc Salem, and forward, Luke Posner, also found the back of the net during the second period to take a 4-3 lead which held up through a scoreless third period to earn Maryland it’s first franchise win. Black Bears goaltender, David Tomeo, turned away 15 of 18 shots in the contest.
Coach Clint Mylymok and the Black Bears will now prepare for their second of four games of the NAHL Blaine Showcase as they take on the Bismarck Bobcats Thursday at 7:00pm CDT.
