On Friday, October 25^th, the Maryland Black Bears will host their October Saves Goalie Challenge Night. The Black Bears will play the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights at 7:45 PM in the Piney Orchard Ice Arena. Entering their sixth season, the October Saves Challenge is a 501 (c) (3) that began in 2014 when a group of 28 goalies in the Ashburn Xtreme Hockey Club (Ashburn, VA) wanted to find a way to support their mothers, grandmothers, family, and friends who were fighting cancer. As a result, they created a challenge where goalies collect pledges and donations for every save they make in October. The top fundraisers are awarded hockey-related prizes. Over 90,000 saves have been logged, which has resulted in over $800,000 raised.

For the October Saves Goalie Challenge night, the Maryland Black Bears will donate 20% of ticket proceeds to the October Saves Goalie Challenge when the promo code OSGC19 is used. Multiple auctions will be held during the game that includes October Saves themed practice jerseys that will be worn during warmups, game-used goalie sticks signed by the team, and two pucks signed by the Maryland Black Bear Goalies.

Both Maryland Black Bear Goalies are participating in the October Saves Challenge. Local goalie prospect, Andrew Takacs is from Dunkirk, Maryland and attended Dematha Catholic High School. Takacs is also a Team Maryland Alum who played for them as a Bantam Major in 2015 and then worked his way up to their 16U team.

“I’m so proud that Cooper and I get to represent the Maryland Black Bears for the October Saves Goalie Challenge,” said Maryland Black Bears Goalie Andrew Takacs. “Unfortunately, cancer impacts the lives of many so this campaign is a fantastic way to support, donate, and fight cancer together as a community. Black Bear Nation can join our fight by coming to the October Saves Goalie Challenge Night on October 25^th!”

First-year goalie, Cooper Black is from Alpena, Michigan. The 6’7 goalie played for Alpena high school last year where he had a 0.87 Goals Against Average with a .964 Save Percentage. Black went 4-0 in his first four career starts with the Black Bears and was an Honorable Mention for NAHL Goalie of the Month for September.

“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the October Saves Goalie Challenge this year in an effort to raise money to fight breast cancer,” said Maryland Black Bears Goalie Cooper Black. “Personally, I’ve had family suffer from cancer and being able to help in this capacity means a lot to me. This is a special way for the Maryland Black Bears Community to come together for something that all players, coaches, and fans can get behind.”

“We are thrilled to have the support and participation of the Maryland Black Bears this year,” said Founder of October Saves, Lara Hopewell. “Cancer is a disease that has impacted us all at one point or another, whether it be a family member, a friend, a teacher, or a coach. Through October Saves, we have watched so many teams and players come together in support of one another, motivate and encourage each other, cheer for each other; it brings out the best in everyone, all for a wonderful cause.”