When the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, an already growing hockey community in our area exploded in popularity. It seems that everyone wants to learn about the sport, play the game, and watch good hockey. Ice time is at a premium and more programs are developing. The Maryland Black Bears Junior Hockey team has taken that hockey excitement to new heights. Filling the stands to capacity for every game, this local team brings young and old together to celebrate what players and fans often refer to as a great “hockey family.”
Based out of Piney Orchard Ice Arena in the heart of Odenton, the Maryland Black Bears (MBB) is a Tier 2 junior hockey team affiliated with the NHL. The team recruits players, ages 17–20 years old, to play at a high level and develop skills in order to earn Division I and III college scholarships, and potentially move on to major league hockey. “The program serves as a stopping ground between high school and college,” says Head Coach Clint Mylymok. “We are seeing the quality build from year to year, and this program is already one of the best Tier 2 programs in North America.”
Now in it’s second season as a team, the players come from all over the country, and even the world. “In addition to domestic players, we have, and have had, players from Sweden, Canada, Korea, and more. We currently even have an indigenous player,” says Colin MacCarthy, Communications Director for the MBB. “We are definitely seeing results with the team, as some players have committed to colleges for hockey, or have gone back to their native countries to play on professional teams.”
The players spend their time each week practicing multiple days, playing in the games, taking part in community events and service projects, and bonding with each other and their billet families. “Many of these players are leaving home for the first time,” Mylymok says, “and having the comfort of their billet family makes them much more comfortable and productive on the ice.”
The billet family system adds a strong sense of community to the program. Billet families take the players in to live with them during the player’s tenure for a season of the MBB. “Hockey is a family,” says Billet Coordinator Amanda Hafler, “and we find great families to match with these players. There are lasting connections.” Hafler also serves as a billet family for two players and notes that “we are so close that I keep forgetting they are someone else’s kids.” Billet families receive $400 a month from the player’s family for their care, and the MBB give the family season tickets with all the perks, so that everyone can take part in the excitement for the team. Hafler conducts an extensive process of applications, home visits, background checks, and questions to make sure that a good match is made between players and potential billet families.
The players and billet families, alike, really appreciate the program. Billet Mom, Lisa Henkel, says, “I can do this forever! These players should know that they will have me as a second mom for the rest of their lives.” Henkel comes from a big hockey-loving family in Wisconsin and takes in two or three players a year. “Each player brings something new and special to my life. I can’t imagine not doing it.” She notes that serving as a billet family works positively for both the player and the family. “I love doing this not only for the player, but for Maryland. I enjoy showcasing the area, and seeing it through the lense of someone who is not from here. The hometown experience that we share with this team never disappoints. The whole Maryland Black Bears program is a win for the community, and the players. The players are so dedicated to each other and to the fans. And I’m one of the biggest fans. You will find me at every game and I’ll be the one ringing the biggest bell!”
Logan Kons, defensiveman for the MBB, lives with Henkel and couldn’t agree more. “I really enjoy Sunday activities with the family on my day off, and I love Maryland. The weather is good, compared to where I’m from in Chicago, and I’m now even used to seafood.” He loves living along the east coast. “There is so much exposure here around every corner. There are so many colleges that we have access to nearby. But the real thing that makes the Maryland Black Bears special is the professionalism both on and off the ice. I feel like the program is preparing me well for everything that comes later.”
Andrew Takacs, MBB goalie, actually grew up in Maryland, played hockey for various local youth hockey leagues, and feels honored to return to his hometown and play for the fans. “I love meeting the fans after the games. I was once that kid who looked up to hockey players and wanted to be one. Now it’s crazy to be in that position and have all these kids looking up to me. And in my hometown! It’s so rare to be able to play at home and at a high level. I look into the crowd and see faces I know. It means so much.” He appreciates that his parents can now see him at more games than would otherwise be possible. His goal is to play Division I hockey in college, but in the short term? “I want to see our team take home the Robinson Cup this year!”
Robyn Remick, President of the MBB, also grew up in Maryland and has family in the area. After a long and successful media career with the Walt Disney Company and ESPN, she was excited to return home and take this opportunity to grow the Maryland Black Bears program. “The Maryland Black Bears are so exciting because, while it’s only the second year, we are seeing these players acquiring new skills, meeting their goals, and becoming part of the community here. The players and the fans feel so connected with each other. No matter the win/loss record, these fans have more passion and joy than I’ve ever seen for a team, and I’ve seen it all in my career.”
The level of community is so strong that when a season is over, “there is a sense of emptiness,” Remick says. Henkel concurs. “I always want them to visit me for fall break, or over the holidays.” The fans also can’t seem to get enough. According to Remick, season ticket sales tripled between year one and year two. “There is a touching level of commitment to this team. I’ve seen students come in who’ve saved their money to invest in season tickets; to invest in our team. There’s such an exchange of committment between the players and the fans.” That feeling extends to the mascot, Bruno the Bear. At local festivals and at the rink, the requests for Bruno are high, and he’s just another example of the positivity surrounding the team.
“The Maryland Black Bears are not just about hockey,” Henkel says. “There is also a wonderful emphasis on leadership, volunteerism, and building the whole character of these players. And I say that as someone who is beyond invested in the hockey experience.” Takacs agrees, saying, “More than anything, I realize how lucky I’ve been being a part of the Maryland Black Bears.”
It’s time to join the buzz, get a large bell of our own, and head over to partake in the thrill of the Maryland Black Bears community.
