Written By Aidan Charde
Recap: Maryland Black Bears – Sept. 12 & 13
The Rochester Jr. Americans split the opening series of the season last weekend to start the year off with two points.
The night began with a celebration of last season’s division-winning team, complete with a banner dropping ceremony at center ice. It didn’t take long for the Jr. Amerks to get back to their winning ways as forward Ryan Shaw opened the scoring just a few minutes into the first period, picking up where he left off after a dominant postseason run.
Returning forward Keanan Dewberry assisted on the season-opening goal, which came just 11 seconds after the Jr. Amerks killed off a Black Bears power play—a trend from last season that looks to be continuing. Over the weekend, Rochester’s penalty kill was dominant, allowing just one goal on 14 shorthanded opportunities.
That lone Maryland power-play goal came late in the second period after the Jr. Amerks were assessed a double minor for high sticking. Rochester killed off the first half but couldn’t hold Maryland off for the full four minutes, allowing the game-tying goal.
The crowd’s energy never dipped, and neither did the team’s. Defenseman Murray Kanerva fired home what proved to be the game-winner midway through the third period from just inside the blue line. Shaw later added his second of the night, beating a defender and the goalie one-on-one to seal a 3–1 win.
Game two was another hard-fought battle, but Maryland came out on top. Goalie Jensen Carlstrom made his second straight start and delivered a career-high 36 saves—including 20 in the second period—but it wasn’t enough as Rochester fell 2–1.
Forward Colin Dustin scored his first NAHL goal late in the third, but despite a strong push in the final minutes, the Jr. Amerks couldn’t find the equalizer.
Only two East Division teams swept their opening weekend, so Rochester sits tied for third place heading into their first road trip of the season.
Preview: Sept. 19 & 20 vs. Danbury Hat Tricks
WHERE: Danbury Ice Arena | Danbury, CT
WHEN: Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. | Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
The Rochester Jr. Americans have had their way with Danbury so far. Across two seasons, the Jr. Amerks hold an 8–1–1 record against the Hat Tricks with a +33 goal differential. Rochester has scored six or more goals on Danbury in five of their 10 matchups, including back-to-back 6–0 and 7–0 wins in the 2023–24 season.
Dominance against Danbury
The Jr. Amerks play better against the Hat Tricks than any other team in the NAHL. In 10 games, the teams have only gone to overtime once, and Rochester has more games with six or more goals (five) than three or fewer (four).
New dimensions
Forward Jackson Schouten has played two full seasons in the NAHL, recording just nine total points. However, his play in the opening weekend suggests he can might be able to add a tad of offensive production. He tallied an assist in the first game of the season, something that took him more than a month to achieve in previous seasons. Schouten’s physicality remains a staple of his game, but he showed a more involved offensive role than in years past.
Defense wins games
Last year, the Jr. Amerks went 15–2–2 when a defenseman scored, one of the most telling record splits the team had. This season is off to a similar start, with defenseman Murray Kanerva scoring in the opening game—a 3–1 win.
Carlstrom’s regular season debut
Goalie Jensen Carlstrom is no stranger to tough competition, and he proved it last weekend, stopping 60 of 63 shots. Maryland may not be known for high-powered offense, but they are one of the NAHL’s more efficient scoring teams. Carlstrom’s 36 saves in Game 2 set a career high and put him just outside the Jr. Amerks’ top five single-game saves list.
