Odenton, MD – The Maryland Black Bears started off 2021 with a split series in New Jersey and a new Assistant Captain. With the departure of Thomas Jarman, who officially began his collegiate career with Boston University, the Maryland Black Bears coaches selected Conor Cole as an “A,” joining Team Captain Luke Mountain and fellow Assistant Captains Reid Leibold and Matthew Shanklin.

While Cole is playing his first season in Maryland, he is a junior hockey veteran. He spent two years and 92 games with the Toronto Patriots of the OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League) before joining the Black Bears this season. In his 14 games in Maryland, Cole has made an immediate impact. He has totaled 4 goals, 7 assists, a plus/minus of +5, and averaged over 17 minutes of ice time per game. He has recorded only 6 penalty minutes. When asked about Cole and the decision to name him Assistant Captain, Head Coach Clint Mylymok had this to say:

“Conor is a 3rd year Jr A veteran, and has a strong knowledge of the game. He will help with the young players, as well as be a strong player in our lineup every night. He is all business, and we feel is a respected player, on and off the ice by his peers.” 

Conor Cole had the following to say on being named Assistant Captain:

“I’m appreciative of coaches Mylymok and Gotkin as well as my teammates for giving me an opportunity to be a leader on this team. I hope to continue to lead by example and help guys out whenever I can.”

Cole and the Black Bears will be back in action this Thursday at 12pm taking on the Maine Nordiques. The game will be streamed live on HockeyTV and updates will be posted across the Black Bears social media channels. Make sure to follow @BlackBearsNAHL!