 | ||
|
Black Bears Explode for Five Third-Period Goals in 6-1 Win Over Port Huron October 16, 2026 | ||
Posted by: Bob Howard Credit: BinghamtonHockey.net | ||
October 16th, 2026 – by Bob Howard - BinghamtonHockey.net
In a rematch of last season's semifinal series, the Black Bears and Prowlers played a tightly contested game through the first two periods before Binghamton's offense came alive in the final 20 minutes. Port Huron was opening its season, while Binghamton looked to build on its season-opening victory over Watertown. Dominik Tmej turned aside 18 of 19 shots for Binghamton, and the Black Bears finished with a commanding 43-19 advantage in shots on goal. Binghamton also went 3-for-7 on the power play, while Port Huron finished 0-for-4. First Period: Scoreless Opening FrameThe Black Bears came out firing in the opening period, outshooting Port Huron 15-6, but neither team could find the back of the net. Port Huron had an early opportunity to take the lead when Dan Wieber was called for tripping at 4:51, but the Prowlers were unable to capitalize. Port Huron's Alex Johnson was later assessed a tripping minor at 13:30, giving the Black Bears a power-play opportunity of their own. Despite the shot advantage and chances at both ends, the teams headed into the first intermission scoreless. Andrew MacLean kept the Prowlers even, while Tmej handled the limited opportunities he faced. Second Period: Bondarenko Opens the ScoringBinghamton finally broke through early in the second period, taking advantage of the power play at 2:23. Ivan Bondarenko put the Black Bears on the board, finishing a play set up by CJ Stubbs and Scott Ramaekers to give Binghamton a 1-0 lead. Port Huron responded midway through the period. At 9:44, Matt Graham scored to tie the game at one, with Austin Fetterly and Luke James recording the assists. The teams traded opportunities throughout the remainder of the period, but neither goaltender surrendered another goal. Binghamton held an 11-6 edge in shots during the frame and carried a 26-12 advantage into the second intermission, though the scoreboard remained tied at 1-1. Third Period: Five-Goal Outburst Sends Black Bears Past ProwlersThe third period began with a review that briefly delayed the action. At the 39-second mark, Matt Graham appeared to give Port Huron the lead, but the goal was waved off after officials ruled the puck had been played with a high stick. The score remained tied, keeping the Black Bears and Prowlers deadlocked. Binghamton eventually broke through at 8:54 when Chance Gorman scored, assisted by Gehrett Sargis and Sam Dabrowski, giving the Black Bears a 2-1 advantage. Port Huron challenged the goal for goalie interference, hoping to have the tying situation restored. The challenge was unsuccessful, and the Prowlers were assessed a bench minor for delay of game, giving Binghamton a power play. The Black Bears made the visitors pay. At 10:03, CJ Stubbs scored on the man advantage, with Bondarenko and Gorman collecting the assists to extend the lead to 3-1. Binghamton struck again just 1:18 later. At 11:21, Scott Ramaekers found the back of the net, assisted by Sargis and Gorman, pushing the Black Bears' advantage to three goals at 4-1. The game grew increasingly physical as the period progressed. At 12:40, Port Huron's Alex Johnson and Bryan Parsons and Binghamton's Bondarenko were assessed roughing minors. The temperature rose again at 15:02, when Binghamton's Steven Ford received a roughing penalty and Port Huron's Ben Brockway was assessed a five-minute major for fighting. With Port Huron looking to get back into the game, the Prowlers pulled MacLean for an extra attacker. Binghamton took advantage of the empty net at 16:40, when Nick Cyprian scored his first as a pro with Nick Swain getting the lone assist, extending the lead to 5-1. The Black Bears added one more late in the period. At 18:20, Gorman scored his second goal of the night on the power play, with Stubbs and Bondarenko earning the assists to complete the five-goal third period and seal the 6-1 victory. Port Huron's Matthew Connor was assessed interference and cross-checking minors at 18:38 as Binghamton closed out the game. Goaltending and Special TeamsTmej delivered a strong performance for the Black Bears, stopping 18 of 19 shots to earn the win. MacLean made 37 saves on 42 shots before the Prowlers pulled him for an extra attacker late in the third period. Binghamton's power play finished 3-for-7, with Bondarenko, Stubbs and Gorman each scoring with the man advantage. Port Huron went 0-for-4 on the power play. Gorman led the offensive charge with two goals and two assists, while Bondarenko contributed a goal and two assists. Stubbs finished with a goal and two assists, and Sargis added two assists. Black Bears and Prowlers Meet Again SaturdayThe Black Bears improved to 2-0 to begin the 2026-27 season, using a five-goal third period to turn a close game into a decisive victory over a Port Huron team that had battled them in last season's semifinals. After a scoreless first period and a 1-1 deadlock through 40 minutes, Binghamton found another gear in the third, scoring five times to pull away. The Black Bears and Prowlers will meet again Saturday night in Binghamton, with Port Huron looking to respond and Binghamton aiming to continue its strong start to the season. |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
