The Maryland Black Bears got back in action after a few weeks off, starting the 2023 portion of its schedule at home against the Maine Nordiques. In a high-scoring affair, it was the Black Bears starting 2023 off right with a 6-2 win.

Maryland forward Samuel Stitz struck early in the first period to make it 1-0, burying a rebound past Maine Nordiques goaltender Thomas Heaney. Scoring resumed in the second period, with Black Bears’ forward Adam Schankula tipping a shot five-hole from the point to make it 2-0. Maine defenseman Nicholas Bernardo got the Nordiques on the board by shooting the puck through a screen from the near boards, eluding Maryland goalie William Hakansson to make it 2-1. Maryland responded with a breakaway goal from forward Hunter Ramos to make it 3-1 as he snapped a shot blocked side. Black Bears’ defenseman Sean Kilcullen was able to add one more goal in the final minute, tapping home a rebound in the slot on the powerplay to make it 4-1.

Maryland forward and captain Brad McNeil chipped a puck on the side of the net in for a goal to make it 5-1 in the early stages of the third period. The Nordiques got one goal back from forward Alexey Yarmulnik to make it 5-2, but Adam Schankula’s empty-net goal in the final minute capped off a great offensive effort to make the final score 6-2.

Maryland and Maine rematch Saturday night at Piney Orchard Ice Arena with puck drop set for 7:30 PM ET. All games can be streamed on HockeyTV.