Maryland Black Bears
Follow Maryland Sports Blog for the latest news, scores, recaps, features, roster moves and prospect updates from the Maryland Black Bears.
Based at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Maryland, the Black Bears compete in the East Division of the North American Hockey League, one of the premier junior hockey leagues in the United States. Founded in 2018, Maryland has developed into one of the NAHL’s most successful programs while providing talented young players with a pathway toward NCAA hockey and beyond.
The Black Bears have built a winning tradition at Piney Orchard, capturing East Division championships in 2023 and 2024 before reaching the pinnacle of the NAHL in 2026. Maryland won the 2026 Robertson Cup national championship, defeating the Minnesota Wilderness 3-2 in overtime in the championship game. Brady Anes scored the overtime winner, while goaltender Ryan Denes stopped 38 of 40 shots to secure the first Robertson Cup championship in Black Bears history.
The championship capped a dominant 2025-26 season that included another deep postseason run and one of the league’s top individual performances. Forward Harrison Smith was named the 2026 NAHL Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year after leading the league with 96 points and 72 assists in 49 regular-season games.
Playing in front of a passionate local hockey community at Piney Orchard, the Black Bears have become an important part of the Maryland hockey landscape. The organization has also established itself as a major development destination, regularly helping players earn opportunities to continue their careers at the NCAA level.
Maryland Sports Blog covers the Black Bears throughout the season with game recaps, previews, standings, transactions, player features, college commitments and coverage of the team’s pursuit of another Robertson Cup.
Home: Piney Orchard Ice Arena — Odenton, Maryland
League: North American Hockey League
Division: East Division
Founded: 2018
2026 Robertson Cup Champions
Maryland Black Bears hockey forward Tanner Duncan committed to Stonehill College after recording 75 regular-season points and helping Maryland win its first Robertson Cup.
Maryland Black Bears men’s ice hockey forward Kristofers Krumins committed to play NCAA hockey for Neumann University in the MAC after helping Maryland win the Robertson Cup.
