Thursday Tilts: Brahmas Punch Ticket to Minnesota & Maryland Takes Lead in East Division Final

Photo Credit: Michael Cosman

Maryland 5 @ Rochester 2 (Maryland leads series 2-1) - The Maryland Black Bears hit the road to take on the Rochester Jr. Americans in game three of the East Division Final. The contest opened with early tallies by both teams. Maryland’s Tanner Duncan would strike first in one-timer fashion thanks to an early interception by the Black Bears in their offensive zone. Less than a minute later, Cameron Doran would force a turnover for the Jr. Americans, and he would score an unassisted goal to even the scoreboard to 1-1. 10 minutes later, the scoring would pick back up as Maryland’s captain, Owen Drury, would light the lamp on a 2-on-1 to snatch the lead back for the Black Bears. Moving into the second frame, Maryland would extend their scoring ways quickly into the period. The recently announced Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player, Harrison Smith, scores from the point on the man advantage. The Black Bears would extend their lead on the 5-on-3 power play a few minutes later. Stonehill commit Tanner Duncan would score his second of the night in a one-timer fashion again. Four minutes later, the Black Bears would extend their lead once again, this time with Daniel Johnson scoring on a 4-on-4. The Jr. Americans would cut the deficit as Rochester’s captain, Dexter Kichline, scored with 1:55 left to spare in the period. Moving into the final frame, both teams would trade chances in the last 20 minutes of regulation; however, neither would find twine. The Jr. Americans would fall in 5-2 fashion and would love to force a game five tomorrow.

Lone Star 4 @ El Paso 1 (Lone Star wins series 3-0) - In a win-or-go-home affair for the El Paso Rhinos, the contest featured a physical and tough battle between the two Texas teams. The contest opened with Alexi Gregoire scoring his first of the postseason midway through the first period. Following a scramble of rebounds in front of Lone Star’s net, Gregoire goes bar down to give El Paso the 1-0 lead. It would not be long before the Brahmas would even the scoreboard. Jackson Vaites would score over Modelski’s left shoulder to bring the score to 1-1. Moving into the second period, the Brahmas took the lead with a tally by Vincenzo Capano less than two minutes into the frame. Lone Star would capitalize on the pressure in front of El Paso’s net. Off a rebound, Denver Damphousse lights the lamp to give the Brahmas a 3-1 lead. Moving into the final frame, the Brahmas would add to their lead, this time with Christian Venticinque lighting the lamp with a little under three minutes to spare. The Brahmas skate to a 4-1 victory while securing a spot at the Robertson Cup for the third consecutive year. In net, Brady Krey dominated, featuring a 34-save performance for Lone Star.​