Written by Rory McGouran
Photo: Patrick Garriepy

A major confidence boost on Saturday night as the Northeast Generals responded in a big way, securing a convincing 7-2 victory over the first-place Maryland Black Bears. The win marked the largest victory any team has had over the Black Bears, who suffered just their fifth regulation loss this season.

Following a 3-1 defeat to Maryland on Friday night, Saturday’s script flipped with the Gens picking up three goals in the first, three in the second, and a cruise-control tally in the third en route to their 20th victory of the season, eclipsing last season’s mark of 19.

Three Generals finished with a pair of goals on Saturday, with Finn Connor picking up his 5th and 6th of the year, Braydon Hudloff adding his 8th and 9th, and Logan Poulin netting his 14th and 15th of the season, one behind the team lead.

Maryland’s Ryan Franks also picked up a pair of goals, scoring both for the Black Bears to bring his total to 22 on the season.

Rookie defenseman Stephen Fabiano rounded out the scoring for the Gens with his 5th of the season.

The penalty-filled affair ended with a combined 227 PIMS, the second largest total for a Generals’ game this year, falling just short of the 245 that accumulated against Philadelphia two weeks back. The Gens’ powerplay scored three goals on six attempts, while Maryland was 1/3.

Will Mizenko stopped 20/22, securing his 15th victory of the season, which is tied for 3rd among all NAHL goalies.

The Generals now have a victory over every team in the East Division except one, the Maine Nordiques, with three games remaining between the two sides.

The Gens will take their newly elevated confidence level into another home series against the New Hampshire Mountain Kings on January 30th and 31st.