The Maryland Black Bears took the ice Saturday night against the Johnstown Tomahawks, looking to win their tenth straight game over Johnstown dating back to last season, as well as start the season 4-0-0. Johnstown held a 2-0 lead in the third period and looked to be in control, but Maryland stormed back to tie the game late and win the game in overtime, 3-2, thanks to a goal from forward Ajay Rai.

The scoring started in the second period, when Tomahawks’ forward Ethan Coots chipped a rebound past Black Bears’ goaltender Michael Iliff for a 1-0 lead. Johnstown doubled its lead with a wrist shot goal from forward Jack Peterka in the third period for a 2-0 lead. Less than a minute later, the Black Bears struck back with Rai’s first goal of the night to make it 2-1. Maryland went shorthanded with a major penalty against Sokratis Markarian with just 5:31 to go. However, Rai drove the net and, in the process, drew a high-stick penalty from Tomahawks defenseman Drew Peterson. Seven seconds later, Vincent Glos tied the game on a slap shot, making it 2-2. The game went to overtime, where Rai went on a two-on-one rush with Brady Anes. Rai called his own number and was initially denied by Johnstown goaltender Luc Beauparlant. Rai followed the rebound and tucked the puck past the pad of Beauparlant for a 3-2 overtime win. 

Maryland will hit the road and head to Blaine, Minnesota, for the NAHL showcase. They start on Wednesday, September 23rd, against the Austin Bruins. Puck drop will take place at 7:15 p.m. CT. All games can be streamed on NATV.