Saturday Scores: Black Bears Extend Win Streak to Seven

New Hampshire 2 @ New Jersey 3 (SO) - In an exhilarating matchup at the Middletown Sports Complex, the New Jersey Titans narrowly defeated the New Hampshire Mountain Kings with a 3-2 shootout victory. The Titans, bolstered by the stellar performance of first star Luke Schoen, who netted two crucial goals during regulation, managed to edge past their opponents. Penalties played a significant role, with both teams facing multiple infractions, but New Hampshire capitalized more effectively on power plays, scoring twice with the extra man. Despite the pressure, Titans' goaltender Tyler Rounds stood firm, making 34 saves and earning the third star of the game. New Jersey's Kristofers Krumins also shone, scoring in the shootout. This victory strengthens the Titans' position in the East Division, improving their record to 6-2-1-2.

Maine 2 @ Elmira 1 - The Maine Nordiques held off a late push from the Elmira Aviators to secure a gritty 2-1 road victory, backed by a strong 30-save performance from goaltender Matthew Wood and a timely second-period tally from Joe Gasperko. Maine controlled much of the pace through the first two periods, building a 2-0 lead before withstanding Elmira’s third-period surge. Austin Borggaard opened the scoring in the first with an unassisted effort, capitalizing on a defensive breakdown to beat Elmira goalie Aiden McKenna. The Nordiques extended their lead midway through the second when Gasperko buried what would stand as the game-winner, assisted by Rylan Oster. Maine outshot Elmira 35-31 and maintained consistent pressure throughout. Elmira finally broke through late in the third with a power-play goal from Evan Dantas at 18:09, cutting the deficit to one and setting up a tense final minute with the net empty. Despite pulling McKenna for the extra attacker, the Aviators couldn’t find the equalizer. Maine improves with a disciplined road effort and continues to get strong goaltending from Wood, while Elmira will look to build off a solid third period as they try to snap out of a recent skid.

Maryland 6 @ Johnstown 3 - The Maryland Black Bears powered past the Johnstown Tomahawks with a 6-3 road win, riding a fast start and steady goaltending from Ryan Denes to secure two key points. Maryland lit the lamp three times in the first period and never looked back. The Black Bears struck for three in the opening frame on 16 shots, immediately putting the Tomahawks on their heels. Johnstown kept pace early with two goals of their own, but Maryland extended the lead in the second with two more tallies, including goals from Joshua Frenette and Victor Mannebratt. Despite a strong push from Johnstown in the second, Denes remained sharp, turning aside 28 of 31 shots on the night. Maryland sealed the win with a third-period goal and kept Johnstown off the board in the final 20 minutes, limiting the Tomahawks to just five shots in the frame. Maryland’s discipline down the stretch proved crucial, as they managed to stay composed while maintaining their offensive pressure. With the win, the Black Bears continue to assert themselves as one of the top teams in the East.

Danbury 3 @ Northeast 4 (SO) - In a thrilling encounter at the Canton Ice House, the Northeast Generals edged out the Danbury Hat Tricks 4-3 in a game that went to a shootout. The match saw the Generals secure their victory through standout performances and pivotal plays. The Generals opened the scoring early with a power-play goal by Kody Moyer at 2:00 in the first period, assisted by Cole McKenna and Owen O'Rear. Braydon Hudtloff added two more goals in the third period, with McKenna contributing as a key playmaker with two assists on the night. Danbury responded in the second period with three goals, courtesy of Matt Shpungin, Luke Melnik, and Ludovik Gauvin, each showcasing their offensive prowess. Tanner Terranova provided crucial assists, keeping Danbury competitive throughout. The game remained deadlocked through regulation and overtime, leading to a shootout. Moyer and Hudtloff scored for the Generals, sealing the win, while the Hat Tricks managed only one shootout goal by Terranova. Goalie Will Mizenko was instrumental for the Generals, making 32 saves from 35 shots, while Luke Brassil of Danbury stopped 25 of 28.

Aberdeen 2 @ North Iowa 3 - In a thrilling matchup at Mason City Arena, the North Iowa Bulls secured a tight 3-2 victory over the Aberdeen Wings, marking a sweet revenge after their previous loss. Denis Hodás opened the scoring for the Bulls in the first period, assisted by Jack Sullivan and Jack Holland at 14:37. Ivan Berčík extended the lead in the second period, with assists from Fugi Suzuki and Parker Osborn. Carter Davis sealed the win with a late third-period goal, assisted by Sullivan and Berčík. Aberdeen fought back with Easton Edwards scoring in the first period, assisted by Caden Lee and Matthew Martin. Martin scored in the third period, assisted by Owen Pitters and Cooper Anderson, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulls' defense. Aaron Sachs was stellar in goal for the Bulls, saving 24 of 26 shots, earning the second star of the game. Carter Davis received the first star for his decisive goal.

Minnesota M 3 @ St. Cloud 4 (OT) - In a thrilling overtime showdown at the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex, the St. Cloud Norsemen edged past the Minnesota Mallards with a 4-3 victory. This regular-season clash saw the Norsemen's resilience shine through as they overcame two one-goal deficits to secure the win. The Mallards initially took control with goals from Mitch Vanderway and Drew Bowe, each assisted by Ryan George. St. Cloud's Avry Shaw responded in the first, but the Mallards led 2-1 by the end of the period. Cole Bies equalized for the Norsemen in the second, setting the stage for a tense final period. Wyatt Farrell put St. Cloud ahead in the third, but Beckett Hinchsliff soon leveled it for the Mallards. The game headed to overtime, where Gabriel Bugeaud emerged as the hero, sealing the win for the Norsemen just 41 seconds in. St. Cloud's Beck Liden was pivotal in goal, stopping 24 of 27 shots, while William Lubimov of the Mallards faced a barrage, saving 32 of 36. 

Rochester 4 @ Philadelphia 1 - The Rochester Jr. Americans put on a great showing on the road to defeat the Philadelphia Rebels. The shot totals were 44 to 13 in favor of the Americans. Ryan Shaw and Owen King each scored a pair of goals, while Charlie Spencer was the lone goal-scorer for Philadelphia. Three of the total five goals were on the power play, which shows both teams play well when up a player. The Americans pick up their fourth win of the season and their second win this weekend.

Amarillo 1 @ Oklahoma 7 - The Oklahoma Warriors exploded out of the gate with five first-period goals and never looked back, steamrolling the Amarillo Wranglers 7-1 in a game that devolved into a penalty-filled slugfest by the third period. Kyle Sorensen led the way offensively with two goals, while goaltender Billy Stuski turned in a steady 27-save performance for the win. Oklahoma’s dominance was immediate, as they lit the lamp five times in the opening frame on 16 shots, burying Amarillo before the game even settled into a rhythm. William-Francisco Parent added a power-play goal late in the period, while Chance Burlison and Sorensen helped fuel the early onslaught with strong puck movement from the blue line. Amarillo managed a lone goal in the second period but were otherwise stifled, finishing the night with 28 shots and no answers for the Warriors’ aggressive forecheck and transition game.

Bismarck 6 @ Watertown 3 - The Bismarck Bobcats delivered an impressive performance against the Watertown Shamrocks at the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena, securing a decisive 6-3 victory. The Bobcats' offensive prowess was on full display as Cooper Williams led the charge, netting a hat-trick. His performance was complemented by Cooper's teammates Camden Alemond and Gianni Divita, who each tallied a power-play goal, showcasing Bismarck's efficiency with the man advantage. Watertown's lone goal came from Junior Podein's with 2:11 left in the first period. Owen Chartier's power-play strike in the second period and Joe Rice's late effort in the third weren't enough to halt the Bobcats. Despite Watertown's 22 shots on goal, Bismarck's Kai Weigel stood firm, making 19 saves.

Minot 1 @ Austin 5 - The Austin Bruins cruised past the Minot Minotauros with a commanding 5-1 home win, powered by a balanced offensive effort and another steady showing from goaltender Cody Butikis. After trading goals in the first period, the Bruins took control in the second with three unanswered tallies, never looking back as they tightened their grip on the game both on the scoreboard and in possession. Austin outshot Minot 39-30 and dictated play for long stretches that tilted momentum heavily in the Bruins' favor. While Minot showed flashes early, their offense stalled in the second and third periods, unable to solve Butikis, who stopped 29 shots in the win. Austin’s victory featured contributions up and down the lineup, with the Marshchanok twins again in the mix on the scoresheet and Zander Lipsett and JJ Franceschetti continuing to bring a physical edge.

Wisconsin 8 @ Janesville 2 - The Wisconsin Windigo overwhelmed the Janesville Jets with an 8-2 blowout win on the road, fueled by a statement performance from forward Teddy Richardson and a dominant special teams effort. Richardson exploded for three goals, including a short-handed tally in the third, as the Windigo piled on three goals in each of the final two periods to pull away. Despite being outshot 14-7 in the first, Wisconsin struck twice, then turned up the pressure as the game wore on—finishing with a 32-28 edge in shots. The Windigo’s power play and penalty kill both played crucial roles, notching three goals on the man advantage and one while shorthanded. Janesville briefly found momentum in the second with goals from Wyatt Ezman and Joseph Hyten, but it was quickly snuffed out by Wisconsin’s unrelenting attack. Goaltender Casimir Weckstrom turned aside 26 shots for the win, while the Jets’ tandem of Christopher Prater and Kaenan Smith had little answer for Wisconsin’s offense after combining for 24 saves. Alexios Georgaklis added a goal and assist, Brendan Finley and Samuel Misak each tallied game-winners, and Michael Ryan notched two more helpers to keep his point streak alive.

El Paso 5 @ Corpus Christi 3 - The El Paso Rhinos pick up a big win on the road over the Corpus Christi IceRays. Marc-Alexandre Richard opened up the scoring for the IceRays, which was the only goal scored in the first period. The second was far more eventful, with the IceRays outshooting their opponent 20-12, but it was the Rhinos who converted on more chances. The teams headed into the second intermission with the game tied 3-3. In the third period, Grayson Settipane put the Rhinos on top with his first of the season, and Aidan Bergner secured the game with under two minutes left with his second of the game. Rhinos goaltender Jakob Hanlan came up big, stopping 37 of 40 shots. The Rhinos displayed a great team effort, earning them the win.

New Mexico 5 @ Shreveport 2 - The New Mexico Ice Wolves used a dominant third period to pull away from the Shreveport Mudbugs, earning a 5–2 road win Saturday night. Andy Earl scored twice, while George McCaffrey, Brock Fairbanks, and Nicholas Petkovich also found the back of the net as New Mexico struck for three goals in the final frame. Nayan Pai and McCaffrey each added assists, and goaltender Jackson Silverberg stopped 20 of 22 shots to improve to 7–3–0–1. Shreveport’s goals came from Carter McKay and Johnathon Berndt, but the Mudbugs went 0-for-4 on the power play and couldn’t slow New Mexico’s attack late.

Chippewa 1 @ Minnesota W 7 - The Minnesota Wilderness put up an unbelievable performance at home, dismantling the Chippewa Steel. River Freeman and Jackson Knight both scored two goals, contributing to a seven-goal performance. Sam Schulte scored the only goal for Chippewa, but that was far from enough to make this game competitive. Alex Reedy performed excellently as well, only letting in one goal on 30 shots. The power play looked good for Minnesota as they converted on three of the eight chances. The shot totals were 44 to 30 in favor of Minnesota, showing just how dominant the team was across all three periods. This game was a rematch from the night before, and the outcome showed just how relentless a team the Minnesota Wilderness is. They finish off the weekend strong, picking up two huge wins at home.

Odessa 3 @ Lone Star 4 (OT) - In a very exciting game, the Lone Star Brahmas defeat the Odessa Jackalopes in a thrilling overtime. Odessa opened up the scoring in a low-shot first period, but Lone Star was able to tie things up with just 14 seconds on the clock. The Jackalopes were in control throughout the second period, scoring two goals, making the score 3-1 heading into the second intermission. The Brahmas put up a huge effort in the third, tying the game with just over three minutes left in regulation. Both teams had six power plays throughout regulation, and the shots were only 20-19. Less than 30 seconds in, Leo Isaksson snipes a shot past the Odessa goaltender to complete the comeback and earn the Brahmas their 10th win of the season.

Fairbanks 9 @ Anchorage 3 - In a dominant display at Sullivan Arena, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs triumphed over the Anchorage Wolverines with a decisive 9-3 victory. The game saw the Ice Dogs assert their offensive prowess early on, securing a 3-0 lead in the first period. Kyle Rohrer was instrumental, netting two goals and adding three assists, while Luca Ricciardi contributed significantly with two goals and two assists. The Anchorage Wolverines, despite their efforts, struggled to match Fairbanks' intensity. AJ Ulrich, Caleb Mahar, and Luc Bydal each found the back of the net for the Wolverines, with Bydal earning the second star of the game for his performance. Anchorage's goalie Andrew Saxe faced a barrage of 32 shots, managing 23 saves. Fairbanks capitalized on the Wolverines' defensive lapses, particularly in the second period, extending their lead with goals from Mason Knaffla and Gage Leonard. The Ice Dogs' robust defense limited Anchorage’s opportunities, allowing only 19 shots on goal.

Springfield 5 @ Kenai River 1 - In a compelling face-off at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex, the Springfield Jr. Blues triumphed over the Kenai River Brown Bears with a decisive 5-1 victory. The match saw Springfield's offense ignite, led by standout performances from Brady Turner and Logan Sutton. Turner, who clinched an empty-net goal, continued to bolster his season tally to six, while Sutton's first-period strike, assisted by Niko Laus, set the tone early. Kenai River struck first with David Greene scoring just 47 seconds into the game, but Springfield responded swiftly and dominantly. Niko Laus equalized in the second period with a power-play goal, assisted by Zach Howard. Drew Berres and Drew Albrecht added to the scoreline in the third period, reflecting Springfield's relentless pressure. Springfield's Amir Valiullin was a wall in net, stopping 28 out of 29 shots, earning a stellar save percentage in the process. Conversely, Kenai River's Connor Mackenzie faced a challenging night, conceding four goals on 22 shots.