Friday Finals: Two Overtime Thrillers in Day 1 of the Robertson Cup Semifinals

Lone Star 2 @ Maryland 3 OT (Maryland leads series 1-0) - In a 2024 Robertson Cup championship rematch, the Maryland Black Bears battled from behind to secure the overtime victory against the Lone Star Brahmas. The opening period featured both teams trading chances; however, neither was able to find twine. Lone Star outshot Maryland 7 to 4. Moving into the second period, Gustav Lexell lights the lamp twice in the middle frame for the Brahmas. The first tally was scored on the man advantage six minutes into the frame. 10 minutes later, Lexell lights the lamp to give Lone Star a 2-0 advantage heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation. In the third frame, the Black Bears feature a battle back. The NAHL’s MVP, Harrison Smith, finds twine to cut the deficit in half a few minutes into the third period. As the clock was counting down, the Black Bears capitalized on the power play with seven seconds on the clock. Kristofers Krumins lights the lamp to even the score and help to force the game into overtime. In that extra period, the Black Bears would complete the comeback with a power-play tally by Canisius commit Ryan Franks off of a feed by Harrison Smith. The Black Bears skate to a big 4-3 overtime win in game one of the series. Smith played a role in every goal for the Black Bears, continuing his play-making ability in Blaine, Minnesota.

Minnesota 4 @ Austin 3 OT (Minnesota leads series 1-0) - In a battle between two State of Hockey players, the Wilderness secured an overtime winner thanks to a hat-trick performance by Talan Blanck. The contest opened with Austin striking first off a turnover by Minnesota. Matsvei Marshchanok lights the lamp just over six minutes into the contest, unassisted. The Wilderness would respond 10 minutes later, as Talan Blanck delivered back-to-back goals. The first tally would be scored on the man advantage. The second period was scoreless as both teams traded chances, with Austin outshooting the Wilderness 15-5. Moving into the final frame, Matsvei Marshchanok showcased a little magic with a short-handed tally for the Bruins midway through the frame to even the score. Not long after, EJ Paddington struck for Austin to give them their first lead of the night. However, it would not be long until Minnesota’s alternate captain, Olle Karlsson, scored unassisted to give the Wilderness a lift late into the final period of regulation. The contest would be forced into overtime. In that extra frame, Talan Blanck delivered his 10th goal of the postseason to seal the Wilderness’ win. Minnesota takes game one against the Bruins.