It goes along with the junior hockey territory, but it doesn’t make it much easier. Whether it was for a long time for a single-season, saying farewell to the players graduating from junior hockey is always a tough task. The over-age players from this year are a mixed bag from players who have been in Maryland for all their junior career and others who had some stops elsewhere along the way. However, this is just a small snapshot of what these players brought to the Black Bears during their tenure.

(NOTE: The totals are from both the regular season and playoffs for brevity. This is only players who have aged out of junior hockey and not those with eligibility left, but could possibly move onto other leagues next season.)

Write up courtesy of Scott Wasilewski of the “Defending The Den” and “Chesapeake Hockey Week” Podcasts, found on twitter: @DefendingDenMBB & @ChesapeakeHWPod
Photo credits to Jon Pitonzo, FOHS Media Faction & Jim Harding

 

 

 

 

Brad McNeil (180 GP, 37g, 67a): From making the Black Bears at tryouts in 2020 to captain of the team, McNeil has been a model for what future Black Bears can strive to become Making big steps each of his three seasons in Maryland, McNeil capped his junior career with a career year and helped lead the Black Bears to the Robertson Cup. As valuable as his play on the ice was, McNeil’s intangibles extended off the ice by being a big part of the community within the Black Bears fan base. As he continues his journey to RPI, McNeil’s impression will be a lasting one in the halls of Piney Orchard.

 

 

Sean Kilcullen (172 GP, 12g, 74a): Another three year player, Kilcullen holds the distinction of being the first Maryland-born talent to play their entire junior career with the Black Bears. Coming up through Team Maryland’s youth program and Gonzaga High School, Kilcullen worked himself into the line-up seamlessly and turned into a very sturdy defenseman on both sides of the puck. Heading to UMass-Lowell next, Kilcullen’s future is bright as a solid two-way defender.

 

 

 

Branden Piku (146 GP, 45g, 77a): Coming back after some time with the USHL, Piku brought the offensive touch that had been increasing season-by-season. Leaving the Black Bears as the franchise leader in points, franchise leader in power play goals, and 2nd in franchise goals and assists, Piku’s energy and nose for the net was a giant boost for the squad over his three seasons. With Lake Superior State calling, Piku returns to home state of Michigan with his adopted home state of Maryland looking on.

 

 

Brayden Stannard (99 GP, 21g, 50a): Stannard bookended his junior career in Maryland, starting in 2019-20 and receiving East Division All-Rookie honors and NAHL Rookie Second Team honors before heading off to the USHL. After being picked by the Black Bears again in the draft, Stannard came back and finished out his junior career strong, adding another veteran voice into the Black Bears’ room. Though the future is unclear for Stannard, wherever he lands will be better off for having him there.

 

 

 

Kaleb Tiessen (60 GP, 8g, 21a): While he was only here for a year, Tiessen brought a big presence to the Black Bears blue line. With size and skill, Tiessen was a menacing defender with offensive upside added to his game. As the season went on, Tiessen turned into a solid all around defenseman with a mean streak to him. Heading to St. Cloud State next season, Tiessen will take all of his skill he gained from his time in Maryland to one of the toughest conferences in college hockey.

 

 

Gunnar VanDamme (68 GP, 7g, 29a): VanDamme was a meat-and-potatoes kind of defender who could add offensively when called on, bring a physical game to the plate, while also shoring up his own defensive end as well. The playoffs is where VanDamme really shined, with some big goals in key times and sharing his good luck charm with the rest of the organization. Going to Alaska-Anchorage next season, VanDamme will look to keep growing his game while Great-Grandma Leona cheers him on from afar.

 

 

 

WE THANK OUR AGE OUTS!