The Maryland Black Bears took on the Northeast Generals Saturday night in hopes of extending its franchise long win streak to seven games. It was not meant to be, as the Generals took the game in overtime 4-3 on Salute to Sweden night at the Piney Orchard Ice Arena.
Fittingly, it was Maryland defenseman Hampus Rydqvist, a Gothenburg, Sweden native, who lit the lamp for the first goal. Rydqvist received a pass from teammate Cameron Recchi and scored on a wrap-around shot for a 1-0 Maryland lead. The Generals responded shortly after to tie the game with a goal from defenseman Cam Gaudette. The Black Bears failed to clear the offensive zone along the boards and Gaudette got the puck and beat Maryland goalie Andrew Takacs low blocker side for a 1-1 tie.
Northeast gained the lead in the second period with a goal from defenseman Jared Lambright. Lambright received a pass from teammate Johnathan Young and scored top shelf for a 2-1 lead. Maryland responded with a nice goal from Ethan Heidepriem, beating Generals goalie Matt Pasquale low blocker side for a 2-2 tie.
In the third period, it was Maryland defender Thomas Jarman scoring on the powerplay to regain the lead on a slap shot to make it 3-2. However, the Generals responded with a goal in the slot from forward Ricky Boysen to tie the game at 3-3. The game went to overtime.
In overtime, the Generals won the game on a breakaway goal from Liam McCanney. McCanney received a stretch pass and walked in alone on Andrew Takacs and shot the puck low blocker side for the win. While the Black Bears had its win streak snapped at six, its point streak continues to seven games.
Maryland will head on the road for a three-week road trip, starting with a visit next weekend to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Black Bears will return home to Piney Orchard Ice Arena on January 31st against the Jamestown Rebels.
