HERSHEY BEARS COVERAGE WITH RICH BLOSSER
GRIT & BEAR IT PODCAST! - LISTEN HERE for the latest episode
Final Bears Recap for 7/2/24
Hello Bears fans, yes this is the final bears recap, after a very busy week last week, let’s see how the finals wrapped up. I have a lot to catch up on, so let’s get into it.
California Claimed:
Hershey was able to take both Games 4 and 5 in the Palm Desert by scores of 3-2, in both games with the Bears getting late goals in both. The top line came alive in game 4 with forwards Ethen Frank, Hendrix Lapierre and Joe Snively getting goals and the power play going 1/6. Game 5 was a more back and forth affair with the Firebirds getting the first goal from forward, Kole Lind. However, forward, Jimmy Huntington, got a buzzer beater goal to tie the game at 1. Coachella Valley would get the early lead in the third as forward, Cameron Hughes, was gifted the puck from Captain, Dylan McIlrath, and feed a wide-open, Ryan Winterton, to make it 2-1. The Bears would respond minutes later with a sniper shot from defensemen, Hardy Haman Aktell, to tie the game, then forward Jimmy Huntington would give the Bears the lead late in the third. The Firebirds would try to rally the valley back into the series, but it was not enough as Hershey took Game 5 and brought a 3-2 series lead back to Hershey.
Calder Coaster:
On Monday June 24th the Bears and Firebirds meet for Game 6 in front of a record crowd at Giant Center over 11,000 came to cheer the Bears to a Calder Cup celebration. The firebirds would quiet the Bears faithful early as forward, Ryan Winterton, would get the first goal after a nice feed from below the goal from forward, Cameron Hughes, to make it 1-0. Once again, the Bears would respond with a power play goal from forward, Pierrick Dube, to tie the game at 1 for his 5th of the playoffs. The Bears would get another late first period goal as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, would deflect a, Chase Priskie, shot to make it 2-1 with 36 seconds to go in the first.
However, just like most of the series, the 2nd period was the Firebirds strongest as they got a 4 on 4 goal from forward, Marian Studenic, to tie the game and the Firebirds would get the lead back as, Ryan Winterton, would score again to make it 3-2. The Bears would roar back as forward, Alex Limoges, won a puck battle against the boards and fed the puck to a streaming, Pierrick Dube, who scored his 6th goal of the playoffs and tied the game at 3.
The third period felt like overtime for Giant Center as both teams traded opportunities and looked to capitalize on each other’s mistakes. The Bears would retake the lead as forward, Pierrick Dube, would score after a steal from, Alex Limoges, and was fed the puck down low and dekked goaltender, Chris Dreidger to give Hershey the lead at 4-3. It was a hat trick goal and sent Giant Center into a frenzy with dreams of a Calder Cup fresh in every one’s head. Unfortunately, the Firebirds would spoil the party as they were able to tie the game late, as defenseman, Cale Fleury, found a loose puck in a net mouth scramble and sent this game into overtime.
Destiny Fulfilled:
In overtime, each team would trade offensive zone time and each team knew what was at stake. If the Firebirds scored … then a Game 7 on Wednesday June 26th was set, if the Bears scored, celebration time! The Bears 4th line was able to steal a puck from the Firebirds as they brought the puck back into the Coachella Valley defensive zone. Forward, Marian Studenic, would backhand the puck off the boards in an attempt to clear the Firebirds zone but the puck was stolen by Hershey forward, Matt Strome, and he would bury a puck into the net and seal the Calder Cup for the Bears!
The Giant Centers roof may have blown off as Strome threw his helmet, gloves and stick into the air and the rest of the Bears spilled onto the ice in celebration. Yours truly was jumping up and down in section 217, hugging and high fiving everyone, and in that moment everyone in a Bears jersey was 11 years old again. The goal came at 1:06 of overtime and the Hershey Bears are not just 13-time Calder Cup Champions, but also Back-to-Back Champions again. The last time the AHL had back-to-back Calder Cup Champions was the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, and yes, it was the Hershey Bears back then too.
After the handshake line, the Jack Butterfield Award for Playoff MVP went to, Hendrix Lapierre, with 22 points (7G and 14A.) The boys parted into the muggy Monday night and me, well, I enjoyed the moment as I did not want it to end. On Wednesday June 26th, the Bears held a Calder Cup Celebration as they replayed key moments of the season, and playoffs. Zack Fisch had some fun at CV’s expense highlighting times when Fuego, the Firebirds mascot, “poked the Bear” with his antics in the Palm Desert. But he who laughs last gets the Calder Cup. A 90-minute autograph session followed for all fans and after that, there was nothing else.
The Capitals and Bears headed into free agency this past week, but that is for next week’s article.
GO BEARS!
Bears Recap for 6/4/24
Hello Hershey fans, its time for Bears hockey in the month of June, lets see how the boys did as we kick off the 2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals.
Opening Shots:
On May 30th, the ECF started with Game 1 between the Hershey Bears and the Cleveland Monsters. Both teams were number 1 in their respective divisions and were set for a heated battle in Game 1. Hershey was able to get the early jump on the Monsters as forward, Ethen Frank, rushed into the offensive zone and sniped a shot past Cleveland goaltender, Jet Graves, to make it 1-0. It was Ethen’s 6th goal of the playoffs and his first goal back after missing Game 3 in the previous series. Hershey would get 3 power plays in the 1st period, including a double minor on forward, David Jiricek. However, Hershey failed to convert on any of them. Going into the intermission the Bears lead on shots 13-3 and seemed to have things under control.
In the second period the Monsters got 2 quick goals to turn the game in their favor, as forward, Hunter McKown, scored on a shot that fooled, Hunter Shepard. Not even 2 minutes later forward, Alex Whelan, would clean up a rebound in front of the net to make it a 2-1 Monsters lead. Hershey has been no stranger to adversity and was able to respond with a tying goal from Defenseman, Aaron Ness, as Vecchione’s shot grazed off his... um, backside. The Bears would get a power play of their own after going 0-4 as defenseman, Chase Priske, blasted a shot past, Jet Graves, to make it 3-2 heading into the third.
In the third period, Hershey would get an insurance tally from forward, Hendrix Lapierre, for his fourth goal of the playoffs and make it a 4-2 game. The Monsters would not go quietly though as they got a 6 on 4 power play with 90 seconds to go to make it a one goal lead for the Bears. The Giant Center faithful saw the Bears lockout many close games this season and thought the game would end in 4-3, however Blue Jackets prospect, David Jiricek, scored with 19 seconds to go and tied the game sending us to overtime.
This was the Bears’ first overtime game this postseason, and Giant Center was on pins and needles in the extra session. Their patience would be rewarded as the Bears led a 3 on 1 rush and forward, Mike Vecchione, scored on a perfect top corner shot that gave Hershey the Game One victory. It was Vecchione’s 2nd goal of the postseason, the previous being an empty net goal in Hartford. Hershey went 2/7 on the Power play and 3/5 on the PK.
Game 2, Part Deux:
On June 1st, 2024, the Bears and Monsters played Game 2 at Giant Center in front of a sold out crowd. This game was much more physical and featured zero goals in the first period with Hershey leading in shots 12-11 and Hershey going 0/3 on the power play. But that would change in the second as forward, Garrett Roe, rifled a shot past goaltender, Jet Graves, to break the ice (no pun intended) and make it 1-0. All of a sudden, the monsters have a breakaway and Goaltender Hunter Shepard tried to break it up by coming way out of his crease and collided with forward, Josh Dunne. The puck rolled back behind the net as the Monsters and Bears fought for the loose puck and forward, Josh Dunne, poked the puck into an empty net.
In the third period, the Monsters gained confidence and started throwing everything at Bears goaltender, Hunter Shepard. Hershey was limited to just three shots on goal in the third, but one would go in as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, with a perfect pass, found Ethen Frank for a back door goal and the lead, 2-1. The Monsters would not go away, once again … Cleveland forward, David Jiricek, would score late in the third to tie the game at 2 just as a power play had expired. It was his third of the postseason and second of the series and we were going to overtime, again.
In the extra frame, the Monsters came out flying with shots and scoring chances early in overtime, even forward, Rey-Fix Wolansky, would hit the crossbar on a crossing feed. The Bears played cautiously in OT picking their spots, not wanting to give up an odd man rush while the Monsters were playing like a desperate team.
The Bears would prevail in OT as forward, Pierrick Dube, went coast to coast, thanks to a nice give and go from forward, Jimmy Huntington, and would chip a shot far side past the glove of, Jet Graves, for the win! It was Dube’s 2nd goal of the playoffs and his first point since the Phantoms series.
The Bears then headed for Cleveland to play games 3, 4 and 5 with a big 2-0 lead in the series. At the end of game three in Cleveland, the Bears skated off enjoying a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 series. Game 4 is Thursday June 6th and game 5, if needed with be Saturday June 8th, if a Game 6 is needed it will be back in Hershey on Monday June 10th. Let’s Hope the Bears can close this out in Cleveland and head to the Finals. Go Bears and see you at Giant Center.
Don’t forget to listen to my “GRIT & BEAR IT” Podcast, on all podcast platforms, for a more extensive breakdown of all the Hershey Bears playoff action.
Bears vs Monsters Recap for 6/14/24
Hi, Bears fans, sorry for late updates, this series has been a long stressful one and let’s see how the boys did. Since I have a lot of games to get through, so let’s get through these as quick as we can.
Bears beat down Monsters:
Game 3 was all Hershey as they traveled to northeast Ohio to take on the Monsters after winning 2 overtime games at Giant Center. Forward Jimmy Huntington would kicked off the scoring with a powerplay goal that was originally credited to Chase Priske, but was corrected to Huntington to give Hershey a 1-0 lead in the 1st.
In the second period, the Bears got another power play goal from forward, Ethen Frank to make it 2-0. The Monsters would answer with 2 quick goals of their own as forwards, Alex Whelan and Trey-Fix Wolansky were able to tie the game. Hershey would respond with 3 goals in 2:18 as forwards Akex Limoges, Ivan Miroshnichenko and Joe Snively on the power play would put the game out of reach for the Monsters at 5-2. Henrik Rybinski would get an empty net goal to ice the game at 6-2 and secure a 3-0 series lead for Hershey.
All 4 Monsters:
In Game 4, the Monsters were facing not just elimination but a sweep out of the conference finals. The Bears were facing some injuries in Game 4 with forward Henrik Rybinski and Defenseman Aaron Ness out. The Monsters came out playing as a team on the edge of elimination and got the first goal as forward Josh Dunne slid a puck underneath goaltender Hunter Shepard to get the early lead. However, the Bears would respond late in the period, as Ethen Frank would get his 9th goal of the playoffs and tie the game.
The Monsters would get 2 more goals with forwards, Roman Ahcan and Jake Gaudet would make it 3-1, the Bears would respond with a goal from forward Garrett Roe to bring Hershey within one. However, the Monsters would hold off a third period flurry from Hershey that saw the Bears Outshoot the Monsters 17-3, but it was not enough. Cleveland lived to fight another day and take Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
High Fives in Cleveland
Saturday June 08 saw Hershey and Cleveland meet for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bears had a chance to win the east in front of 15,000 Monsters faithful. Hershey would take a early lead with Logan Day getting his first of the playoffs from a wrister from the blue line to make it 1-0 after 1. After that it was all Monsters as the boys in black and blue ripped off 5 straight goals to make this one a laugher. Forwards Alex Whelan, Josh Dunne with 2 goals and Captain, Brandan Gaunce with 2 goals secured a game 5 victory and sent the Bears back to Chocolate Town.
Deep Six:
In Game Six saw both the Bears and Monsters play a physical playoff game, Hershey went with Forward. Matt Strome to replace. Matthew Phillps to provide more for a physical presence. Over 9,000 fans packed into the Giant Center on a Monday that saw the Monsters score first as forward. Owen Sillinger would score on the power play to make it 1-0.
Hershey would respond in the second as forward. Henrik Rybinski would rifle a shot past goaltender Jet Graves to tie the game. Late in the third period, Hershey would take the lead as forward Joe Snively would score with 49.7 seconds to go and appear to send the Bears back to the Finals. The Monsters would respond only 17 seconds later as Brendan Gaunce would bank a shot off Hunter Shepard who was caught puck watching, to tie the game at 2-2.
For the third straight time at Giant Center the game went to overtime, but this time it was the Monsters that won as rookie Jake Christiansen would score on a screen in front of, Hunter Shepard to win Game 6. It was Hershey’s first overtime loss in over a year and meant a Game 7 was looming.
Make History or Be History:
For the first time since 2015 against the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, there was a Game 7 at Giant Center. The Bears got forward, Pierrick Dube back in the lineup after he received some dental work after taking a puck to the face. The Monsters and Bears would each get a goal in teh final minute of the first period as, Trey-Fix Wolansky would get his own rebound and score on the power play to take the lead. The Bears would respond 39 seconds later as defensemen Logan Day would blast a puck past a knocked own Jet Graves to tie the game at 1. The goal was a good goal as Monsters shoved a Bear that fell into the goaltender.
Hershey would take the lead in the second as forward, Pierrick Dube would make his mark in the game as he scored on the power play to make it 2-1. The Bears took the lad into the third and tried to sit on the 2-1 and lean on the defense that got them to this point. However, like many games before the Monsters would tie the game late as forward, James Malatesta would get his first goal and make it 2-2.
For the fourth time in the series and at Giant Center the game would go into overtime, the Monsters took a early penalty for delay of game. But Hershey’s power play was stifled in the extra session, but Hershey would fin d their hero as a Logan Day point shot was knocked down and found the stick of, Garrett Roe, who scored the series winning overtime goal and blew the roof off Giant Center on a Wednesday night.
The Bears flooded the ice in celebration, fans at Giant Center hugged and tossed All In shirts into the air and chanted B E A R S. Then the greatest tradition in all of sports, the post series handshake line as the Bears go on and the Monsters go home.
There is no rest for the defending champs as Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals is tonight against the Coachella Valley Firebirds are the Bears opponent in a rematch of last year’s finals.
This will be a very tough test for the boys, with inures to Aaron Ness, Lucas Johansen is out for the playoffs, Ethen Frank is questionable as is, Vincent Iorio. Colin Swoyer, was recalled from South Carolina Stingrays as a extra defenseman for the finals.
The Firebirds arrived in Hershey on Monday June 10th and have been practicing at the Old Barn this week, ready for the Bears and hungry for revenge. My prediction, same a last year: Bears in 7
Bears Recap for 6/4/24
Hello Hershey fans, its time for Bears hockey in the month of June, lets see how the boys did as we kick off the 2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals.
Opening Shots:
On May 30th, the ECF started with Game 1 between the Hershey Bears and the Cleveland Monsters. Both teams were number 1 in their respective divisions and were set for a heated battle in Game 1. Hershey was able to get the early jump on the Monsters as forward, Ethen Frank, rushed into the offensive zone and sniped a shot past Cleveland goaltender, Jet Graves, to make it 1-0. It was Ethen’s 6th goal of the playoffs and his first goal back after missing Game 3 in the previous series. Hershey would get 3 power plays in the 1st period, including a double minor on forward, David Jiricek. However, Hershey failed to convert on any of them. Going into the intermission the Bears lead on shots 13-3 and seemed to have things under control.
In the second period the Monsters got 2 quick goals to turn the game in their favor, as forward, Hunter McKown, scored on a shot that fooled, Hunter Shepard. Not even 2 minutes later forward, Alex Whelan, would clean up a rebound in front of the net to make it a 2-1 Monsters lead. Hershey has been no stranger to adversity and was able to respond with a tying goal from Defenseman, Aaron Ness, as Vecchione’s shot grazed off his... um, backside. The Bears would get a power play of their own after going 0-4 as defenseman, Chase Priske, blasted a shot past, Jet Graves, to make it 3-2 heading into the third.
In the third period, Hershey would get an insurance tally from forward, Hendrix Lapierre, for his fourth goal of the playoffs and make it a 4-2 game. The Monsters would not go quietly though as they got a 6 on 4 power play with 90 seconds to go to make it a one goal lead for the Bears. The Giant Center faithful saw the Bears lockout many close games this season and thought the game would end in 4-3, however Blue Jackets prospect, David Jiricek, scored with 19 seconds to go and tied the game sending us to overtime.
This was the Bears’ first overtime game this postseason, and Giant Center was on pins and needles in the extra session. Their patience would be rewarded as the Bears led a 3 on 1 rush and forward, Mike Vecchione, scored on a perfect top corner shot that gave Hershey the Game One victory. It was Vecchione’s 2nd goal of the postseason, the previous being an empty net goal in Hartford. Hershey went 2/7 on the Power play and 3/5 on the PK.
Game 2, Part Deux:
On June 1st, 2024, the Bears and Monsters played Game 2 at Giant Center in front of a sold out crowd. This game was much more physical and featured zero goals in the first period with Hershey leading in shots 12-11 and Hershey going 0/3 on the power play. But that would change in the second as forward, Garrett Roe, rifled a shot past goaltender, Jet Graves, to break the ice (no pun intended) and make it 1-0. All of a sudden, the monsters have a breakaway and Goaltender Hunter Shepard tried to break it up by coming way out of his crease and collided with forward, Josh Dunne. The puck rolled back behind the net as the Monsters and Bears fought for the loose puck and forward, Josh Dunne, poked the puck into an empty net.
In the third period, the Monsters gained confidence and started throwing everything at Bears goaltender, Hunter Shepard. Hershey was limited to just three shots on goal in the third, but one would go in as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, with a perfect pass, found Ethen Frank for a back door goal and the lead, 2-1. The Monsters would not go away, once again … Cleveland forward, David Jiricek, would score late in the third to tie the game at 2 just as a power play had expired. It was his third of the postseason and second of the series and we were going to overtime, again.
In the extra frame, the Monsters came out flying with shots and scoring chances early in overtime, even forward, Rey-Fix Wolansky, would hit the crossbar on a crossing feed. The Bears played cautiously in OT picking their spots, not wanting to give up an odd man rush while the Monsters were playing like a desperate team.
The Bears would prevail in OT as forward, Pierrick Dube, went coast to coast, thanks to a nice give and go from forward, Jimmy Huntington, and would chip a shot far side past the glove of, Jet Graves, for the win! It was Dube’s 2nd goal of the playoffs and his first point since the Phantoms series.
The Bears then headed for Cleveland to play games 3, 4 and 5 with a big 2-0 lead in the series. At the end of game three in Cleveland, the Bears skated off enjoying a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 series. Game 4 is Thursday June 6th and game 5, if needed with be Saturday June 8th, if a Game 6 is needed it will be back in Hershey on Monday June 10th. Let’s Hope the Bears can close this out in Cleveland and head to the Finals. Go Bears and see you at Giant Center.
Don’t forget to listen to my “GRIT & BEAR IT” Podcast, on all podcast platforms, for a more extensive breakdown of all the Hershey Bears playoff action.
Calder Cup Recap for 6/20/24
The Calder Cup Finals are upon us and the battle for the sliver chalice is on, it’s a rematch of last year’s finals between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Hershey Bears.
Round One:
On Friday June 14th Game one of the 2024 Calder Finals took place at Giant Center, with the Bears winning the Eastern Conference just 48 hours prior. Hershey was going into the series a bit banged up at the blue line, with defensemen Vincent Iorio, Lucas Johansen and Aaron Ness out of the lineup. While the Firebirds came to Hershey on the previous Monday to scout the chocolate and white.
Though it would be Hershey that would get the opening goal as forward Joe Snively would get a lucky bounce off a Firebirds skate and into the net to take a 1-0 lead. The Firebirds would respond with a shorthanded breakaway goal to tie the game and after that, they had a quick 2 on 1 and scored on Hunter Shepard and took the lead 3-3. then convert a quick 2 on 1 goaltender Hunter Shepard to take the lead at 2-1.
In the second period, the Firebirds took over outshooting the Bears 11-4 and kept the Bears in their own end most of the second period, leading to a goal from forward Ryan Winterton and it was 3-1 Firebirds. Hershey would respond with another lucky bounce as a shot ricocheted off the glass and landed right in front of defenseman, Hardy Haman Aktell, who buried the shot, and it was 3-2. Unfortunately, the Firebirds overpowered the Bears again as forward, John Hayden, would rifle a shot past the lower glove of goaltender, Hunter Shepard.
The Bears would get a late third period power play goal from forward, Hendrix Lapierre, to make things interesting at 4-3, but the Firebirds made sure Hershey did not get a shot in the final 2 minutes and took the game.
Sunday Night Showdown:
On Sunday June 16th, it was Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals and Hershey adjusted and the Bears would once again get the first goal as forward, Ivan Miroshnichenko, would get his 7th goal of the playoffs and give Hershey a 1-0 lead. However, the Firebirds would once again dominate the second period outshooting Hershey 8-1 in the first 10 minutes and got the tying goal from forward, Luke Henman. Hershey needed a spark to get back into the game and got it when, Alex Limoges fed the puck to forward, Jimmy Huntington, for the goal, now 2-1. The Bears would get another from a 2 on 1 breakaway of their own as forward, Pierrick Dube, would score to make it 3-1 Hershey.
In the third the Firebirds threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Bears as forward, Marian Studenic, would fight through several Bears and score to cut the lead to 3-2. The Bears would bend but not break, and again the Firebirds would get the insurance goal from, Hardy Aktell, as he whistled a shot past Firebirds goaltender, Chris Driedger, and it was 4-2. Hardy would get a empty net shorthanded goal to seal the game for Hershey at 5-2 and even up the series, 1-1.
California Nightmare:
Just hours after Game 2, the Bears flew out to the Palm Desert to prepare for Games 3, 4 and 5 in southern California. On Tuesday June 18th, it was Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals as the series shifted to Acrisure Arena, the game would get off to a unusual start as the Bears took a odd penalty for using the incorrect starting lineup. The Firebirds took advantage as Captain, Max McCormick, cleaned up a loose puck behind goaltender Hunter Shepard to make it 1-0. Forward, Max McCormick, would get another from relentless offensive pressure in the first five and Max was left all alone in front of Hunter to make it 2-0. Hershey would respond minutes later with a 2 on 1 rush that saw forward, Henrik Rybinski, bury a pass from forward, Ivan Miroshnichenko, to cut the lead to 2-1.
Early in the second period, Hershey would get the equalizer on the power play as forward, Alex Limoges, deflected a Ethen Frank shot to tie the game at 2. Unfortunately for Hershey, the Firebirds responded quickly as forward, Lleyton Roed, batted a puck out of the air after it hit the far post to reestablish the lead at 3-2. CV would not let up on the forecheck, not giving the Bears any room on breakout passes or established offensive zone time. The Firebirds would tack on another goal from forward, Ryan Winterton, to make it 4-2 as the Firebirds outshot the Bears in the second period 23-6!
In the third the Firebirds added another goal from forward, Shane Wright, to make it 5-2 and end Hunter Shepard’s night as Clay Stevenson came in relief. Forward, Max McCormick, would complete the hat trick with a empty net goal and win Game 3 by a score of 6-2.
The Firebirds continue their undefeated streak at home in the Calder Cup playoffs and dominate the Bears. The Bears will have to find answers to the aggressive Firebirds and quick before Game 4 on Thursday, if the boys can win Game 4 it will make the series a best of three with 2 games at Giant Center. If not, then the Calder Cup will be in the desert on Saturday.
Keep The Faith and Go Bears!
Bears Recap for 6/4/24
Hello Hershey fans, its time for Bears hockey in the month of June, lets see how the boys did as we kick off the 2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals.
Opening Shots:
On May 30th, the ECF started with Game 1 between the Hershey Bears and the Cleveland Monsters. Both teams were number 1 in their respective divisions and were set for a heated battle in Game 1. Hershey was able to get the early jump on the Monsters as forward, Ethen Frank, rushed into the offensive zone and sniped a shot past Cleveland goaltender, Jet Graves, to make it 1-0. It was Ethen’s 6th goal of the playoffs and his first goal back after missing Game 3 in the previous series. Hershey would get 3 power plays in the 1st period, including a double minor on forward, David Jiricek. However, Hershey failed to convert on any of them. Going into the intermission the Bears lead on shots 13-3 and seemed to have things under control.
In the second period the Monsters got 2 quick goals to turn the game in their favor, as forward, Hunter McKown, scored on a shot that fooled, Hunter Shepard. Not even 2 minutes later forward, Alex Whelan, would clean up a rebound in front of the net to make it a 2-1 Monsters lead. Hershey has been no stranger to adversity and was able to respond with a tying goal from Defenseman, Aaron Ness, as Vecchione’s shot grazed off his... um, backside. The Bears would get a power play of their own after going 0-4 as defenseman, Chase Priske, blasted a shot past, Jet Graves, to make it 3-2 heading into the third.
In the third period, Hershey would get an insurance tally from forward, Hendrix Lapierre, for his fourth goal of the playoffs and make it a 4-2 game. The Monsters would not go quietly though as they got a 6 on 4 power play with 90 seconds to go to make it a one goal lead for the Bears. The Giant Center faithful saw the Bears lockout many close games this season and thought the game would end in 4-3, however Blue Jackets prospect, David Jiricek, scored with 19 seconds to go and tied the game sending us to overtime.
This was the Bears’ first overtime game this postseason, and Giant Center was on pins and needles in the extra session. Their patience would be rewarded as the Bears led a 3 on 1 rush and forward, Mike Vecchione, scored on a perfect top corner shot that gave Hershey the Game One victory. It was Vecchione’s 2nd goal of the postseason, the previous being an empty net goal in Hartford. Hershey went 2/7 on the Power play and 3/5 on the PK.
Game 2, Part Deux:
On June 1st, 2024, the Bears and Monsters played Game 2 at Giant Center in front of a sold out crowd. This game was much more physical and featured zero goals in the first period with Hershey leading in shots 12-11 and Hershey going 0/3 on the power play. But that would change in the second as forward, Garrett Roe, rifled a shot past goaltender, Jet Graves, to break the ice (no pun intended) and make it 1-0. All of a sudden, the monsters have a breakaway and Goaltender Hunter Shepard tried to break it up by coming way out of his crease and collided with forward, Josh Dunne. The puck rolled back behind the net as the Monsters and Bears fought for the loose puck and forward, Josh Dunne, poked the puck into an empty net.
In the third period, the Monsters gained confidence and started throwing everything at Bears goaltender, Hunter Shepard. Hershey was limited to just three shots on goal in the third, but one would go in as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, with a perfect pass, found Ethen Frank for a back door goal and the lead, 2-1. The Monsters would not go away, once again … Cleveland forward, David Jiricek, would score late in the third to tie the game at 2 just as a power play had expired. It was his third of the postseason and second of the series and we were going to overtime, again.
In the extra frame, the Monsters came out flying with shots and scoring chances early in overtime, even forward, Rey-Fix Wolansky, would hit the crossbar on a crossing feed. The Bears played cautiously in OT picking their spots, not wanting to give up an odd man rush while the Monsters were playing like a desperate team.
The Bears would prevail in OT as forward, Pierrick Dube, went coast to coast, thanks to a nice give and go from forward, Jimmy Huntington, and would chip a shot far side past the glove of, Jet Graves, for the win! It was Dube’s 2nd goal of the playoffs and his first point since the Phantoms series.
The Bears then headed for Cleveland to play games 3, 4 and 5 with a big 2-0 lead in the series. At the end of game three in Cleveland, the Bears skated off enjoying a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 series. Game 4 is Thursday June 6th and game 5, if needed with be Saturday June 8th, if a Game 6 is needed it will be back in Hershey on Monday June 10th. Let’s Hope the Bears can close this out in Cleveland and head to the Finals. Go Bears and see you at Giant Center.
Don’t forget to listen to my “GRIT & BEAR IT” Podcast, on all podcast platforms, for a more extensive breakdown of all the Hershey Bears playoff action.
Bears vs Monsters Recap for 6/14/24
Hi, Bears fans, sorry for late updates, this series has been a long stressful one and let’s see how the boys did. Since I have a lot of games to get through, so let’s get through these as quick as we can.
Bears beat down Monsters:
Game 3 was all Hershey as they traveled to northeast Ohio to take on the Monsters after winning 2 overtime games at Giant Center. Forward Jimmy Huntington would kicked off the scoring with a powerplay goal that was originally credited to Chase Priske, but was corrected to Huntington to give Hershey a 1-0 lead in the 1st.
In the second period, the Bears got another power play goal from forward, Ethen Frank to make it 2-0. The Monsters would answer with 2 quick goals of their own as forwards, Alex Whelan and Trey-Fix Wolansky were able to tie the game. Hershey would respond with 3 goals in 2:18 as forwards Akex Limoges, Ivan Miroshnichenko and Joe Snively on the power play would put the game out of reach for the Monsters at 5-2. Henrik Rybinski would get an empty net goal to ice the game at 6-2 and secure a 3-0 series lead for Hershey.
All 4 Monsters:
In Game 4, the Monsters were facing not just elimination but a sweep out of the conference finals. The Bears were facing some injuries in Game 4 with forward Henrik Rybinski and Defenseman Aaron Ness out. The Monsters came out playing as a team on the edge of elimination and got the first goal as forward Josh Dunne slid a puck underneath goaltender Hunter Shepard to get the early lead. However, the Bears would respond late in the period, as Ethen Frank would get his 9th goal of the playoffs and tie the game.
The Monsters would get 2 more goals with forwards, Roman Ahcan and Jake Gaudet would make it 3-1, the Bears would respond with a goal from forward Garrett Roe to bring Hershey within one. However, the Monsters would hold off a third period flurry from Hershey that saw the Bears Outshoot the Monsters 17-3, but it was not enough. Cleveland lived to fight another day and take Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
High Fives in Cleveland
Saturday June 08 saw Hershey and Cleveland meet for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bears had a chance to win the east in front of 15,000 Monsters faithful. Hershey would take a early lead with Logan Day getting his first of the playoffs from a wrister from the blue line to make it 1-0 after 1. After that it was all Monsters as the boys in black and blue ripped off 5 straight goals to make this one a laugher. Forwards Alex Whelan, Josh Dunne with 2 goals and Captain, Brandan Gaunce with 2 goals secured a game 5 victory and sent the Bears back to Chocolate Town.
Deep Six:
In Game Six saw both the Bears and Monsters play a physical playoff game, Hershey went with Forward. Matt Strome to replace. Matthew Phillps to provide more for a physical presence. Over 9,000 fans packed into the Giant Center on a Monday that saw the Monsters score first as forward. Owen Sillinger would score on the power play to make it 1-0.
Hershey would respond in the second as forward. Henrik Rybinski would rifle a shot past goaltender Jet Graves to tie the game. Late in the third period, Hershey would take the lead as forward Joe Snively would score with 49.7 seconds to go and appear to send the Bears back to the Finals. The Monsters would respond only 17 seconds later as Brendan Gaunce would bank a shot off Hunter Shepard who was caught puck watching, to tie the game at 2-2.
For the third straight time at Giant Center the game went to overtime, but this time it was the Monsters that won as rookie Jake Christiansen would score on a screen in front of, Hunter Shepard to win Game 6. It was Hershey’s first overtime loss in over a year and meant a Game 7 was looming.
Make History or Be History:
For the first time since 2015 against the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, there was a Game 7 at Giant Center. The Bears got forward, Pierrick Dube back in the lineup after he received some dental work after taking a puck to the face. The Monsters and Bears would each get a goal in teh final minute of the first period as, Trey-Fix Wolansky would get his own rebound and score on the power play to take the lead. The Bears would respond 39 seconds later as defensemen Logan Day would blast a puck past a knocked own Jet Graves to tie the game at 1. The goal was a good goal as Monsters shoved a Bear that fell into the goaltender.
Hershey would take the lead in the second as forward, Pierrick Dube would make his mark in the game as he scored on the power play to make it 2-1. The Bears took the lad into the third and tried to sit on the 2-1 and lean on the defense that got them to this point. However, like many games before the Monsters would tie the game late as forward, James Malatesta would get his first goal and make it 2-2.
For the fourth time in the series and at Giant Center the game would go into overtime, the Monsters took a early penalty for delay of game. But Hershey’s power play was stifled in the extra session, but Hershey would fin d their hero as a Logan Day point shot was knocked down and found the stick of, Garrett Roe, who scored the series winning overtime goal and blew the roof off Giant Center on a Wednesday night.
The Bears flooded the ice in celebration, fans at Giant Center hugged and tossed All In shirts into the air and chanted B E A R S. Then the greatest tradition in all of sports, the post series handshake line as the Bears go on and the Monsters go home.
There is no rest for the defending champs as Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals is tonight against the Coachella Valley Firebirds are the Bears opponent in a rematch of last year’s finals.
This will be a very tough test for the boys, with inures to Aaron Ness, Lucas Johansen is out for the playoffs, Ethen Frank is questionable as is, Vincent Iorio. Colin Swoyer, was recalled from South Carolina Stingrays as a extra defenseman for the finals.
The Firebirds arrived in Hershey on Monday June 10th and have been practicing at the Old Barn this week, ready for the Bears and hungry for revenge. My prediction, same a last year: Bears in 7
Bears Recap for 6/4/24
Hello Hershey fans, its time for Bears hockey in the month of June, lets see how the boys did as we kick off the 2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals.
Opening Shots:
On May 30th, the ECF started with Game 1 between the Hershey Bears and the Cleveland Monsters. Both teams were number 1 in their respective divisions and were set for a heated battle in Game 1. Hershey was able to get the early jump on the Monsters as forward, Ethen Frank, rushed into the offensive zone and sniped a shot past Cleveland goaltender, Jet Graves, to make it 1-0. It was Ethen’s 6th goal of the playoffs and his first goal back after missing Game 3 in the previous series. Hershey would get 3 power plays in the 1st period, including a double minor on forward, David Jiricek. However, Hershey failed to convert on any of them. Going into the intermission the Bears lead on shots 13-3 and seemed to have things under control.
In the second period the Monsters got 2 quick goals to turn the game in their favor, as forward, Hunter McKown, scored on a shot that fooled, Hunter Shepard. Not even 2 minutes later forward, Alex Whelan, would clean up a rebound in front of the net to make it a 2-1 Monsters lead. Hershey has been no stranger to adversity and was able to respond with a tying goal from Defenseman, Aaron Ness, as Vecchione’s shot grazed off his... um, backside. The Bears would get a power play of their own after going 0-4 as defenseman, Chase Priske, blasted a shot past, Jet Graves, to make it 3-2 heading into the third.
In the third period, Hershey would get an insurance tally from forward, Hendrix Lapierre, for his fourth goal of the playoffs and make it a 4-2 game. The Monsters would not go quietly though as they got a 6 on 4 power play with 90 seconds to go to make it a one goal lead for the Bears. The Giant Center faithful saw the Bears lockout many close games this season and thought the game would end in 4-3, however Blue Jackets prospect, David Jiricek, scored with 19 seconds to go and tied the game sending us to overtime.
This was the Bears’ first overtime game this postseason, and Giant Center was on pins and needles in the extra session. Their patience would be rewarded as the Bears led a 3 on 1 rush and forward, Mike Vecchione, scored on a perfect top corner shot that gave Hershey the Game One victory. It was Vecchione’s 2nd goal of the postseason, the previous being an empty net goal in Hartford. Hershey went 2/7 on the Power play and 3/5 on the PK.
Game 2, Part Deux:
On June 1st, 2024, the Bears and Monsters played Game 2 at Giant Center in front of a sold out crowd. This game was much more physical and featured zero goals in the first period with Hershey leading in shots 12-11 and Hershey going 0/3 on the power play. But that would change in the second as forward, Garrett Roe, rifled a shot past goaltender, Jet Graves, to break the ice (no pun intended) and make it 1-0. All of a sudden, the monsters have a breakaway and Goaltender Hunter Shepard tried to break it up by coming way out of his crease and collided with forward, Josh Dunne. The puck rolled back behind the net as the Monsters and Bears fought for the loose puck and forward, Josh Dunne, poked the puck into an empty net.
In the third period, the Monsters gained confidence and started throwing everything at Bears goaltender, Hunter Shepard. Hershey was limited to just three shots on goal in the third, but one would go in as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, with a perfect pass, found Ethen Frank for a back door goal and the lead, 2-1. The Monsters would not go away, once again … Cleveland forward, David Jiricek, would score late in the third to tie the game at 2 just as a power play had expired. It was his third of the postseason and second of the series and we were going to overtime, again.
In the extra frame, the Monsters came out flying with shots and scoring chances early in overtime, even forward, Rey-Fix Wolansky, would hit the crossbar on a crossing feed. The Bears played cautiously in OT picking their spots, not wanting to give up an odd man rush while the Monsters were playing like a desperate team.
The Bears would prevail in OT as forward, Pierrick Dube, went coast to coast, thanks to a nice give and go from forward, Jimmy Huntington, and would chip a shot far side past the glove of, Jet Graves, for the win! It was Dube’s 2nd goal of the playoffs and his first point since the Phantoms series.
The Bears then headed for Cleveland to play games 3, 4 and 5 with a big 2-0 lead in the series. At the end of game three in Cleveland, the Bears skated off enjoying a 3-0 lead in the best of 7 series. Game 4 is Thursday June 6th and game 5, if needed with be Saturday June 8th, if a Game 6 is needed it will be back in Hershey on Monday June 10th. Let’s Hope the Bears can close this out in Cleveland and head to the Finals. Go Bears and see you at Giant Center.
Don’t forget to listen to my “GRIT & BEAR IT” Podcast, on all podcast platforms, for a more extensive breakdown of all the Hershey Bears playoff action.
Bears Recap for 5/29/24
Hello Bears fans, it’s almost June and we are still talking Hershey Bears hockey, you love to see it! Let’s see how the Bears did against the Hartford Wolf Pack.
How Sweep it is!
On Wednesday May 22nd, the Bears traveled to Connecticut to take on the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center. The Bears would get some surprise news that, Ethen Frank, was a scratch for game 3, and forward Matthew Phillips would slide in his place. With Hartford’s back against the ropes, the Wolf Pack made a few lineup changes and attempted to control the pace of the game in the first period. Hartford would get on the board first as forward, Jaroslav Chmelar, would clean up a loose puck on a broken play to give Hartford the lead at 1-0.
However, in the second period, the Bears took over as forward, Garrett Roe, deflected a, Hardy Aktell, shot to tie the game. It was Roe’s second goal of the playoffs, and he was not done yet, as Roe would give Hershey the lead as Roe cleaned up a rebound shot from defenseman, Chase Priske, to make it 2-1. Later in the second, forward, Bogdan Trineyev, would get a penalty shot after being hooked on a breakaway. Unfortunately, he would not score, the young forward played well and will get on the score sheet soon enough.
In the third period Hershey put the series away limiting Hartford to just 3 shots all period, the Bears would get a insurance goal from a unusual source. Forward, Matt Strome, would score … as Head Coach Todd Nelson put out the fourth line as a power play was expiring, forward, Henrik Rybinski, would win a puck battle under the goal line and feed a wide-open Matt Strome who scored. With the score 3-1, the XL Center could sense the end coming, and it was made official as forward, Mike Vecchione, would get a empty net goal, his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs to make it 4-1. Hershey swept the Hartford Wolf Pack for the second consecutive season and will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The next Bears opponent will be a familiar one as they will take on the Cleveland Monsters. The last time these two matched up in the playoffs was in the 2016 Calder Cup Finals. Many Bears fans will remember that series as the Bears were swept right out of the finals and lost Game 4 in OT. In that game, Monster forward, Oliver Bjorkstrand, would get the game winner and that would continue Hershey’s Cup drought until 2023. Many players on that Lake Erie squad would later play in the NHL.
Zach Werenski, Sonny Milano, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jonnas Korpisalo, Anton Forsberg and others would go on to play for the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets or other teams. The current Monster team isn’t as talented as the 2016 alumni but they do have some talent on their squad. For example … forward, Owen Sillinger, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Tyler Angle and many more can light up the score sheet.
In the net, Monsters have Blue Jackets prospect, Jet Graves, who boasts a winning record of 5-1, with one shutout, a GAA of 1.39 and a save percentage of .951. You do not need me to tell you Bears fans, that is some pretty good numbers! But the Hershey Bears have pretty good goaltending too, to say the least. Hunter Shepard who has a 6-1 record, a 1.58 GAA and a save percentage of .936%, and Hershey’s backup goalie, Clay Stevenson , has his own little pile of shutouts going as well. Don’t forget … Stevenson and Shepard combined to hold the Bears record for best Goalie Duo in franchise history.
So, what is my prediction for this series, I think this will be a hard-hitting series, similar to the Phantoms. The Bears will have to strike first and continue their defensive dominance to shut down a hungry Monster team. If the Bears can play their game constantly in this series, they will find themselves in the AHL finals again, same as last year. However, the Cleveland Monsters will want to spoil the Bears party. I foresee a long and stressful series. My guess is Bears in 7. See you at Giant Center on Thursday and Saturday, GO BEARS!
Bears Recap for 5/15/24
Hello Bears fans, it time for another recap as we are getting into the heart of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Cal-ed Out:
On Wednesday May 8th, the Hershey Bears traveled to the PPL enter to take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in Game 3 of the Atlantic Division Semi-finals. After dominating Game 2, Bears fans had dreams of brooms as the Bears looked to close out the series. The Bears tried to strike first, and fast as forward, Ethen Frank, was stopped on a breakaway and a few minutes later, Ethen Frank and Pierrick Dube, were stopped on a 2x1 attempt.
It would be the Phantoms that would score first on the power play as a point shot from defenseman, Emil Andrae ,found its way ot the back of the net to make it 1-0. A few minutes later, the Phantoms would get another power play opportunity as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, would go off for hooking. The Phantoms would strike again on the man advantage as, Olle Lycksell, would push the puck past goaltender, Hunter Shepard, to make it 2-0.
The Bears had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season had surrendered 2 goals on this night and it would be all the Phantoms needed.
Hershey tried to get back into this game with a 4-minute power play, but the Phantoms PK stood firm. The Bears would put 6 shots on goaltender Cal Peterson in the third; in fact the Bears would not register a shot on goal until 8:30 to go in the game. The Phantoms took Game 3 by a score of 2-0, giving goaltender Cal Peterson a 22 save shutout and extending the series. Bears head coach Todd Nelson was not pleased with this performance, saying: “They played like a team of men, and we played like boys!”
Saturday Night Shootout:
On Saturday May 11th, the Bears and Phantoms meet again for Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semi-finals. Hershey made some adjustments as forward, Matthew Phillips, was out and, Garrett Roe, was in his place. This was Roe’s AHL playoff debut at 36 years young. The Phantoms were looking to keep their season alive and force a Game 5 back in Hershey on Mother’s Day. The Phantoms struck first once again as forward, Rhett Gardner, batted a puck out of mid-air after goaltender, Hunter Shepard, made an incredible save and the Phantoms were still able to make it 1-0 off the rebound. Bears faith full’s were thinking “here we go again”, but seconds later forward, Ivan Miroshnichenko, would score on a breakaway to break the 168 minute shutout streak of Cal Peterson against the Bears in PPL Center. It was Miro’s first playoff goal, and we may see him in red, white and blue, sooner rather than later. However, the Phantoms would regain the lead as Captain, Garrett Wilson, would send a floater to goaltender, Hunter Shepard, that bounced off his glove, then mask and into the net. Once again the Bears responded quickly as forward, Pierrick Dube, would score on a turnaround shot that found the back of the net. The teams went into the locker room tied at 2-2 and the Phantoms lead in shots 11-8.
In the second, Hershey found their game play and took control of the game as forward, Ivan Miroshnichenko, once again scored with a top corner wrister past Cal Peterson. It was Hershey’s first road lead in the PPL Center in quite some time. The Bears would get a power play on a Phantoms delay of game penalty and Hershey would make them pay as forward, Ethen Frank, wristed a laser past Cal Peterson to give Hershey a two-goal lead, 4-2. The Bears seemed in solid control of this game as they had the next round in their sights. However, the Phantoms would capitalize on a Bears turnover as phantoms forward, Bobby Brink, would steal the puck and find a wide-open forward, Tanner Laczynski, to bring the Phantoms back to within one.
In the third period, the Phantoms went all in to try and extend their season, throwing everything at Hershey goaltender, Hunter Shepard. But it was the Bears that would find the back of the net from an unlikely player as defenseman, Hardy Haman Aketll, would score after forward, Mike Vecchione, was denied on a 2 on 1 chance, but, Ivan Miroshnichenko, would dig the puck out of the pads of goaltender Cal Peterson and get the puck back to his defenseman. With the Bears up 5-3, the Phantoms pulled the goaltender with 4 minutes to go, Hershey thought, Mike Vecchione, got an empty netter, but the play was called back after, Garrett Roe, forced the puck ahead with his hand, instead of his stick.
After some rough stuff in the final minute, that saw defenseman, Logan Day, get slammed into the boards during a scrum and headed down the tunnel holding his shoulder. The Bears got the win and finished off the Phantoms 3 games to 1. It was Hershey 3rd straight playoff series win against the Phantoms (2 as LV and as Philly Phantoms in 2010)
Hershey’s next opponent is a rematch of last year’s Atlantic Division finals as the Bears will take on the Hartford Wolf Pack, who came off a series win against the Providence Bruins. Hershey is 3-1-0-0 against the Wolf Pack this year, including 2 wins at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack are just like the Phantoms, but just a bit better, low scoring, hard hitting and can rally an impressive offense when you least expect it. With, Riley Nash, being questionable after leaving Game 4, the Wolf Pack lean on forward, Jake Leschyshyn, for scoring, and Hartford could get reinforcements from the Rangers if New York is eliminated. This will be a tough and lengthy series, I do not believe you can sweep a team twice in a row, but Hershey will take this in 5 games.
Go Bears and I will see you at Giant Center on Thursday May 16th at 7 pm and on Saturday May 18th at 7. Get your tickets now!
Make sure you don’t miss my “GRIT & BEAR IT” Podcast available on all podcast platforms and right here on this site.
Bears Recap for 5/7/24
Hello Bears fans, Hershey is two games in to the playoff. Let’s see how the boys did.
Opening Shot:
On Wednesday May 1st the Bears finally got their Calder Cup defense going as they took on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Hershey dominated the Phantoms during the regular reason with an 8-2-0-2 record. However, the Phantoms have come into this series as confident underdogs ready to spoil the Bears’ plans for a repeat.
With reinforcements from the Washington Capitals, the Bears welcomed back: Hendrix Lapierre, Captain Dylan McIlrath, Vincent Iorio, Hardy Haman Aktell, Lucas Johansen and more. The additions paid immediate dividends as Hershey was able to not only get five shots on goal, but they got the first goal of the series, as forward, Hendrix Lapierre, deflected a, Chase Priske, shot past Phantoms goaltender, Cal Peterson, to take a 1-0 lead.
Hershey would add another goal from the fourth line as forward, Henrik Rybinski, would clean up a goalie crease scramble and sneak a puck under goaltender Cal Peterson to make it 2-0. It was Rybinski’s first career playoff goal and it was an insurance goal for the chocolate and white. Physicality was a factor in this game, as the refs let a lot of hard checks, elbow hits and some obvious penalties go, as the game turned into an old barn playoff game. The Phantoms would get a goal from forward, Tanner Laczynski, to make things interesting with a 2-1 lead with 4:32 to play. But the Bears defense, as they have done all season, was able to close the door in the final minutes with timely shot blocking and quick clearing to secure the win in Game 1 for the Bears.
Saturday Night IS Fight Night:
On Saturday May 4th the Bears and Phantoms played Game 2 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals as over 10,000 packed into a sold-out Giant Center. This game had a big fight feel to it and many came from Allentown to cheer on the orange and black among the Hershey faithful. This time it was the Phantoms turn to try and establish the tempo as they had the game’s first 5 shots and tried to get an early goal on their rivals. Alas it was for not as forward, Ethen Frank, would get 2 quick goals on net minder, Cal Peterson, in the first half of the first period, including a breakaway goal. The Phantoms would answer before the end of the first as forward, Hunter McDonald, would find the puck in the slot and bury it past Hershey goaltender, Hunter Shepard. Even though the Bears were outshot 14-9 in the first, the Bears were the better team. The Bears would add to their lead as forward, Henrik Rybinski, would deflect a shot from forward, Bogden Trineyev, to make it 3-1. Forward Alex Limoges would get a power play goal just as a 5x3 power play would expire for the Bears, making it 4-1 and the first power play goal of the postseason for the chocolate and white.
While the physical play was at the same level as Game 1, the referees did not let the same penalties slide as the Phantoms got 7 penalties called against them, compared to Hershey’s 3. All three of the Bears’ penalties came in the third period, which made the game a bit more interesting than it should have. During a power play for Lehigh, Hershey’s, Aaron Ness, covered the puck in the crease after a error by, Hunter Shepard, as he tried a clearing attempt. The penalty resulted in rare playoff penalty shot for the Phantoms taken by forward, Bobby Brink, but Hunter stood firm, stopping the shot, which lead to chants of Shep-ard, Shep-ard through out Giant Center.
Forward Hendrix Lapierre would add an empty net goal to ice the game at 5-1 and on the ensuing play, a big line brawl erupted behind goaltender Cal Peterson. Nearly every Bear and Phantom player started pushing, shoving, tackling, punching or a mixture of all of the above. The chaos resulted in every player getting a 10 minute misconduct and both benches looking a bit thin.
The Bears would get the last laugh as they took Game Two, 5-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the series, the Bears have a chance to sweep the series on Wednesday May 8th in Allentown . If not, then on Saturday May 11th there will be a Game 4. If needed, game 5 is on Sunday May 12th. Let us hope it does not come to that and we can all relax and enjoy Mother’s Day!
Don't forget to check out my Podcast, "GRIT & BEAR IT" right here on this sight. Go Bears and see you at Giant Center!