The Maryland Black Bears played their first game in franchise history on September 14th, 2018, in a 6-3 home loss to the New Jersey Titans. 2,804 days later, Brady Anes tipped home the game-winning goal in overtime against the Minnesota Wilderness in the 2026 Robertson Cup Final, securing the franchise’s first-ever Robertson Cup in a thrilling 3-2 win. This was the fourth consecutive Robertson Cup playoff game where Maryland tied the game in the third period before winning the game in overtime. 

After a scoreless first period that saw Black Bears goaltender Ryan Denes make numerous fantastic saves, Maryland drew first blood on a snap shot goal from the slot from forward Tanner Duncan for a 1-0 lead. The lead only lasted for 42 seconds, as the Wilderness would respond with a goal from the goal line to tie the game 1-1. Minnesota would take the lead just under a minute and a half later on a snap shot from the slot to make it 2-1. The Wilderness took this lead into the third period, and once again, Maryland would have to come back in the third period. 

The Black Bears would respond midway through the third period, with forward Harrison Smith scoring on a two-on-one chance, tapping a puck into the empty net off of a feed from Duncan to tie the game 2-2. The game remained tied through regulation, setting up yet another overtime game for Maryland with the championship on the line. Early in the extra frame, Duncan blocked a shot in the defensive zone. The puck found its way to defenseman Vincent Glos, who passed it up to forward Josh Frenette. Frenette pulled up just inside the blue line and snapped the puck towards the goal. Forward Brady Anes drove the net and tipped the shot over the shoulder of Minnesota goaltender Valdemar Andersen and into the net for the Robertson Cup Championship-winning goal. The Black Bears then poured onto the ice to celebrate the first Robertson Cup in franchise history, celebrating deep into the night. Denes made a season-high 38 saves in the championship win. 

Forward Ryan Franks, defenseman Will Esterbrooks, and goaltender Ryan Denes received all-tournament team honors. Harrison Smith was named the Robertson Cup MVP.

The Maryland Black Bears would like to thank everyone who made this historic season possible: all the coaches, players, staff, and dedicated fans who filled Piney Orchard and travelled to follow the team – each played an important role in this championship season. We can’t wait to see everyone in September for the start of the 2026-2027 campaign.