BINGHAMTON, NY (607NewsNow) — The Binghamton Black Bears are gearing up for the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

The team will visit the Carolina Thunderbirds for two games this weekend before returning to home ice on May 9. Brooks Hill, who does play-by-play commentary for the Black Bears, said a weekend split would be huge.

“Trying to get one out of the first two on the road is a big, big step in the right direction,” he said.

Hill said a victory would give the team confidence.

“It’s really important to show that you can win away from home,” he said. “It alleviates a little bit of pressure for you when you come back to play in your own building.”

Game 1 of the five-game series begins tonight at 7:35 p.m. The teams will play again on Saturday before returning to Binghamton.

FULL INTERVIEW: Brooks Hill on Ithaca’s Morning News