Before the Black Bears vs Danbury 4/10 & 4/11

BINGHAMTON- The Black Bears are set to face the Hat Tricks one final time as the regular season comes to a close. These two teams met just two weeks ago in a pair of tightly contested games. The first game was a one-goal affair in which both goalies shined. Nick Swain scored the lone goal in the third period to secure a 1–0 victory for the Black Bears. The following night, the series shifted to Danbury, where the Hat Tricks were fighting for their playoff lives. They came out strong early before the Black Bears responded. Binghamton grabbed the lead, but it was short-lived, as the Hat Tricks kept the offense coming and eventually defeated Binghamton 6–4—marking their first home win over the Black Bears this season. The stakes are much lower this time around, as both teams look to pick up the final points available in the regular season.

The Black Bears return home after an electrifying weekend in which they outscored their opponents 14–2. The first game featured a playoff-like atmosphere, with the Port Huron Prowlers in town. It was physical and close through the first period, but things opened up in the second, as the Black Bears built a 5–1 lead behind goals from Ramaekers, Jansen, Sirota, and D’Orazio. Another stellar performance from Tmej secured all three points for Binghamton. The following night, the team traveled to Watertown for the final time this season. The Wolves struck first, but Binghamton responded with nine unanswered goals. The return of Connor McAnanama, combined with the offensive outburst, secured a perfect six-point weekend for the Black Bears. They enter this matchup at 46-6-2, good for first place in the Empire Division with 137 points.

The Hat Tricks will take the ice for the final time this season, closing out a year in which they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. It has been a challenging season both on and off the ice. However, last week brought some positives, as they defeated the Wolves in overtime thanks to a comeback effort—extending their playoff hopes for one more day before eventual elimination. The following night provided another exciting moment at the Danbury Ice Arena, as the Hat Tricks battled the Prowlers and forced overtime. Grady Friedman scored the game-winning goal, earning the team two of a possible three points. While their season will end short of the postseason, the Hat Tricks fought hard until the very end. They enter at 25-24-5, sitting fifth in the Empire Division with 75 points.

Players to Watch

Black Bears — C.J. Hapward (G)
Hapward rejoined the Black Bears last week and is looking to get his first action since returning. C.J. was part of the championship team last year and has proven he is a strong choice in the pipes. The Black Bears have had a knack for finding talented goalies, and Hapward is no exception. He is smart with his angles and does a great job of quickly reading the play in front of him. Hapward will round out the goalie trifecta in Binghamton, and with him in the fold, the Black Bears seemingly have the strongest netminders in the league.

Black Bears — Mason Hoehn (F)
Hoehn joined the Black Bears a couple of weeks ago and has been noticeable since he took the ice for Binghamton. The forward is the latest collegiate signee and will look to make an impact down the playoff stretch. Hoehn is a smart player and has shown flashes in his ice time so far. He is an important piece not just for this year, but for the Black Bears’ future as well. Hoehn will get his chance to show what he can bring to the table as the team prepares for the postseason.

Hat Tricks — Eli Rivers (F)
Rivers made his way to the Hat Tricks halfway through the season and has yet to find consistent footing in Danbury. He is a skilled forward who was the star of the Motor City franchise last season. Rivers started in Pee Dee and stumbled out of the gate this year, but his play has improved lately. The Hat Tricks have been able to get some offense out of him when needed. Rivers will be trying to show the organization why he is the right piece to build around.

Schedule

April 10, 7:30 pm at The Danbury Ice Arena (Danbury, CT.)

April 11, 7:00 pm at The Visions Veterans Memorial Arena (Binghamton, NY.)

You can watch both of the games on the Binghamton Black Bears YouTube channel.