Thoughts on Goal

This Date in Bears History

2010-03-23T14:08:00.000-04:00

A number of teams have come and gone throughout the course of the illustrious 72-year existence of the Hershey Bears. Today memorializes the near- 40-year tenure of the Providence Reds (known as the Rhode Island Reds in their final season).

March 23, 1977: The Bears faced the Providence/Rhode Island Reds for the final time at Hersheypark Arena. Hershey faced the Reds in 369 regular season contests between 1938 and 1977, with the Chocolate and White taking the all-time series 192-151-26. Bill Inglis netted the game winner in the teams' final meeting, the Bears defeating the Reds 7-2.

Game Preview: Adirondack @ Hershey

2010-03-21T12:05:00.000-04:00

The Bears kick off a four-game homestand, hosting the Phantoms tonight for the eighth and final match-up of the season's series. Hershey has taken four of the seven games this season. The Bears continue to defend their 24-game home winning streak, with the last loss on Giant Center ice coming at the hands of Adirondack on Nov. 28. The Chocolate and White look to earn their franchise-record 54th win of the 2009-2010 campaign, currently sitting four wins shy of the AHL record.

The Phantoms are 2-6-1-1 in their last 10 games and have lost three straight games. David Laliberte and Jon Matsumoto each show six points in seven games against the Bears this season (2-4-6). Patrick Maroon has posted six points in six contests (1-5-6). The Phantoms show just 172 goals for on the season, 129 goals behind Hershey's league-leading 301. Matsumoto paces Adirondack with 53 points (24-29-53).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 53-13-0-3, 109 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Adirondack: 30-34-3-3, 66 points
(6th place in East Division, 13th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PHANTOMS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-0-1
Adirondack: 3-3-1-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 8-2-0-2
Adirondack: 4-7-1-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 36-11-2-6
Adirondack: 19-33-2-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 16: Hershey @ Adirondack-- PHANTOMS 2, Bears 1
Nov. 27: Hershey @ Adirondack-- BEARS 5, Phantoms 1
Nov. 28: Adirondack @ Hershey-- PHANTOMS 5, Bears 4 (shootout)
Jan. 3: Adirondack @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Phantoms 1
Feb. 19: Hershey @ Adirondack-- PHANTOMS 5, Bears 3
March 7: Adirondack @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Phantoms 2
March 12: Hershey @ Adirondack-- BEARS 5, Phantoms 4 (overtime)

Keith Aucoin has posted eight points in six games against the Phantoms this season (3-5-8). Bryan Helmer shows six points in six games (2-4-6), while Alexandre Giroux has notched four goals in five tilts (4-2-6).

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin (34-55-89) and Alexandre Giroux (37-52-89) continue to vie for the AHL's scoring lead, now both showing 89 points this season. Aucoin maintains his league lead in game-winning goals with 10 on the season. Notching a goal on the man advantage last night, Andrew Gordon ranks second in power play goals with 16 and eighth in overall scoring (34-32-66). Bourque has found the score sheet in three straight and eight of his last nine games. Kyle Wilson is riding a four-game point streak, while Jay Beagle and Gordon have both found the score sheet in three consecutive contests. The Bears own six of the top 10 spots in plus/minus.

GOALTENDING
Jason Bacashihua earned his 10th straight win in net and his 15th overall in 19 starts Saturday night. He shows a shootout loss in his only start against Adirondack this season. Braden Holtby suffered a loss in his only start against the Phantoms.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Grant Lewis added another assist in last night's win. Bryan Helmer was a healthy scratch in Syracuse but still ranks fifth among defensemen and seventh overall in plus/minus at +30. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (171 in 69 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (160 in 70 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
Including two power play goals in four chances last night, the Chocolate and White have had a 22% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88.4% success rate and shows 16 shorthanded goals. Steve Pinizzotto is tied for first in the league in that category with five on the season. Boyd Kane sits in fourth with four shorties, while Andrew Joudrey boasts three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 7-1-0-1
At home: 29-3-0-2
On Sundays: 14-2-0-0

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Phantoms is slated for 5:00 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com beginning at 4:40 p.m.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Syracuse

2010-03-20T12:20:00.000-04:00

Hershey collected its franchise-record 52nd win of the season last night, besting Bruce Boudreau's 2006-07 squad to earn the honors. With 12 games to go in the 2009-2010 season, the Bears are within striking distance of the AHL's all-time best win total of 57, held by the 1992-93 Binghamton Rangers. Only three skaters were left off the score sheet in last night's 8-2 blowout (Sean Collins, Francois Bouchard and Greg Amadio). Ashton Rome (1-0-0) and Grant Lewis (0-1-1) both made their home debuts with points.

Syracuse shows a record of 1-4-0-0 in its last five outings, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last night. Defenseman Brendan Bell boasts points in his last eight games (5-6-11) and paces the Crunch in scoring (14-35-49). Greg Moore has recorded four points since being dealt to Syracuse at the trade deadline (2-2-4).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 52-13-0-3, 107 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Syracuse: 30-33-3-3, 66 points
(5th place in East Division, 12th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND CRUNCH MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 2-0-0-0
Syracuse: 0-2-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 2-0-0-0
Syracuse: 0-2-0-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 6-1-0-1
Syracuse: 2-6-0-0

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Dec. 26: Syracuse @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Crunch 1
Jan. 17: Syracuse @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Crunch 3

Mathieu Perreault (2-2-4) and Chris Bourque (1-3-4) each show four points in two games against Syracuse this season. Kyle Wilson (2-1-3) and Francois Bouchard (1-2-3) have both notched three points in two games.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
After being blanked in back-to-back contests, Keith Aucoin (34-54-88) found his way back onto the score sheet with a pair of goals last night. He has not been held scoreless through three straight games all season. Alexandre Giroux (37-52-89) maintains the AHL's scoring lead. Aucoin continues to pace the league in game-winning goals with 10 on the season, including the deciding goal in last night's tilt. Andrew Gordon ranks second in power play goals with 15 and ninth in overall scoring (32-32-64). Hershey's top line of Giroux, Aucoin and Gordon have combined for 103 goals this season. Giroux and Bourque have both found the score sheet in seven of the last eight games. Michael Dubuc and Kyle Wilson are both riding three-game point streaks. The Bears own six of the top 10 spots in plus/minus.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby earned both wins against the Crunch this season, with a GAA of 2.0 and a 92.5% save percentage. He ranks sixth overall in the league with a 2.33 GAA and 92% save percentage on the season.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
The defensive pairing of Grant Lewis and Patrick Wellar was wildly successful last night, each finishing at +5. Lewis, Wellar, Karl Alzner and Bryan Helmer all recorded points in last night's win. Helmer ranks fifth among defensemen and seventh overall in plus/minus at +30. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (169 in 68 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (156 in 69 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 21.7% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88.2% success rate and shows 16 shorthanded goals. Steve Pinizzotto is tied for first in the league in that category with five on the season. Boyd Kane sits in fourth with four shorties, while Andrew Joudrey boasts three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 6-1-0-1
On the road: 23-10-0-1
On Saturdays: 18-2-0-3

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Crunch is slated for 7:30 p.m. John Walton's live broadcast begins at 7:10 p.m., available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com.

Game Preview: Albany @ Hershey

2010-03-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

With their second consecutive East Division title in hand, the Bears host the Albany River Rats tonight in the final installment of the season's eight-game series. Hershey is looking to establish a new franchise record at 52 wins. The Bears have won five of seven games against the River Rats this season and continue to defend a 23-game winning streak on Giant Center ice.

Oskar Osala has recorded four goals and two assists in six games since being dealt to the Carolina organization at the trade deadline. The Rats have won four consecutive games and show points in eight straight, opening up a 10 point lead on Norfolk for second place in the East Division. River Rats' leading scorer Jerome Samson boasts points in 12 of his last 13 games (12-11-23), while rookie Drayson Bowman is riding a four-game point streak (2-3-5). Samson has scored five goals in seven games against Hershey this season.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 51-13-0-3, 105 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Albany: 38-24-3-5, 84 points
(2nd place in East Division, 3rd place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND RATS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 5-2-0-0
Albany: 2-5-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-0-0
Albany: 2-2-1-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 24-8-0-1
Albany: 9-21-2-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 31: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Rats 1
Dec. 4: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 1, RATS 3
Dec. 11: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 0, RATS 3
Jan. 15: Hershey @ Albany-- BEARS 10, Rats 4
Jan. 30: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 8, Rats 3
Feb. 12: Hershey @ Albany-- BEARS 5, Rats 2
Feb. 21: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Rats 3

Chris Bourque (1-4-5) and Alexandre Giroux (3-2-5) each recorded the most points by a Bear this season with five against Albany--Bourque on Jan. 30, Giroux on Jan. 15. Hershey found its highest goal total in Albany with 10 on Jan. 15. Giroux has registered 13 points in five games against Albany (6-7-13), and Andrew Gordon shows 12 points in seven games (7-5-12).

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin (32-54-86) has been held scoreless in back-to-back contests for the fourth time in 2009-2010 and has never been scoreless through three straight games all season. Alexandre Giroux (36-51-87) surpassed Aucoin for the scoring lead with two assists against the Binghamton Senators on Wednesday. Aucoin continues to pace the league in game winners with nine. Andrew Gordon ranks second in power play goals with 15 and eighth in overall scoring (31-32-63). Steve Pinizzotto has recorded points in four straight tilts, though he is out this weekend. Giroux and Bourque have both found the score sheet in six of the last seven games. The Bears own six of the top 10 spots in plus/minus.

GOALTENDING
Michal Neuvirth suffered a loss in his only start against the Rats this season-- a 3-1 decision in Albany on Dec. 4. He posted a GAA of 2.04 and a 93.8% save percentage. Braden Holtby was chased from net in his only game against Albany on Feb. 21, when Jason Bacashihua came on in relief. Holtby gave up three goals before Bacashihua earned the 5-3 win.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Sean Collins found his first goal of the season in Wednesday's game. Karl Alzner and Bryan Helmer rank seventh and eighth in plus/minus overall, both at +28. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (167 in 67 games)--a mark even with the Manchester Monarchs-- trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (153 in 68 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 21.7% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88.3% success rate and shows 16 shorthanded goals. Steve Pinizzotto is tied for first in the league in that category with five on the season. Boyd Kane sits in fourth with four shorties, while Andrew Joudrey boasts three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 5-1-0-1
At home: 28-3-0-2
On Fridays: 13-6-0-0

The Bears will wear St. Patrick's Day jerseys to be auctioned off after tonight's match-up. Opening faceoff between the Bears and River Rats is slated for 7:00 p.m. John Walton's live broadcast begins at 6:40 p.m., available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Binghamton

2010-03-17T15:12:00.000-04:00

The Bears travel to Binghamton tonight to face the Senators in the seventh installment in the season's best-of-eight series. Hershey has emerged the victor in five of six contests against Binghamton this season. Hershey looks to stave off back-to-back regulation losses--which has not happened since October--and a third consecutive loss overall--which has not happened at all this season. The Chocolate and White need a mere point to clinch the East Division.

The cellar dwellers of the East Division, Binghamton has lost two straight games and shows a record of 6-2-2-0 in its last 10 games. Martin St. Pierre paces the Sens with 59 points in 64 games (20-39-59), and Ryan Keller boasts nearly a point per game with 58 points in 60 contests (29-29-58). Keller, Cody Bass, Tomas Kudelka and Zack Smith have each recorded two goals and two assists in six games against Hershey this season.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 50-13-0-3, 103 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Binghamton: 28-31-5-3, 64 points
(7th place in East Division, 14th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND SENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 5-1-0-0
Binghamton: 1-4-1-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-1-1
Binghamton: 4-4-0-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 27-7-1-3
Binghamton: 11-20-4-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 10: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 8, Sens 1
Oct. 17: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 3, Sens 2 (overtime)
Oct. 24: Binghamton @ Hershey-- Bears 2, SENS 5
Nov. 20: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 5, Sens 2
Jan. 2: Binghamton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Sens 3
Jan. 31: Binghamton @ Hershey-- BEARS 6, Sens 1

Alexandre Giroux shows eight goals and five assists in five games against the Sens this season. Keith Aucoin has notched two goals and seven helpers in four games. The Bears posted a franchise-best 27 shots on goal in the second period against Binghamton on Oct. 17.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Leading the league in points, the duo of Keith Aucoin (32-54-86) and Alexandre Giroux (36-49-85) look to become the first pair in AHL history to finish as the top two scorers in back-to-back seasons. Aucoin continues to pace the league in game winners with nine. Andrew Gordon ranks second in power play goals with 15 and 10th in overall scoring (31-31-62). Steve Pinizzotto has recorded points in three straight tilts, while Giroux and Bourque have both found the score sheet in five of the last six games. The Bears own six of the top 10 spots in plus/minus.

GOALTENDING
Michal Neuvirth shows a 2-1 record against Binghamton this season with a GAA of 2.32 and a 92.6% save percentage. Braden Holtby earned a win in his only start against the B-Sens this season, with a 3.00 GAA and 91.2% save percentage.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Chicago rental Grant Lewis makes his highly anticipated Hershey debut tonight. Karl Alzner boasts points in three of his last five games. Captain Bryan Helmer sits fifth in plus/minus among defensemen and sixth overall at +28. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (164 in 66 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (148 in 67 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 21.7% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88.2% success rate and shows 15 shorthanded goals. Scoring shorthanded goals in back-to-back contests over the weekend, Steve Pinizzotto is now tied for first in the league in that category with five on the season. Boyd Kane sits in fourth with four shorties.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 4-1-0-1
On the road: 22-10-0-1
On Wednesdays: 3-2-0-0

The Bears and B-Sens face off with a 7:05 p.m. start tonight. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com with 6:45 p.m. airtime.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Worcester

2010-03-14T16:24:00.000-04:00

In what has been deemed the final measuring stick of the season, the Bears take on the pride of the Atlantic Division, the Worcester Sharks, this afternoon. Hershey has won 21 of its past 25 tilts and have not lost in regulation since a Feb. 25 loss in Toronto. The Chocolate and White again look to claim the East Division crown tonight and will do so with one point in Worcester or an Albany loss to Syracuse.

Worcester sits atop the Atlantic with 85 points and have won three straight games. Steven Zalewski leads the Sharks in scoring with 57 points (21-36-57). Danny Groulx (10-44-54) and Logan Couture (20-34-54) each show 54 points this season.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 50-12-0-3, 103 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Worcester: 40-20-2-3, 85 points
(1st place in Atlantic Division, 2nd place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND SHARKS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 0-0-0-0
Worcester: 0-0-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 2-0-0-0
Worcester: 0-1-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 3-1-1-1
Worcester: 3-2-0-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
-----

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux remain the top two scorers in the league with 86 and 85 points respectively. Giroux shows points in five consecutive games. Aucoin has found the score sheet in four straight tilts and leads the league in game-winning goals with nine. Andrew Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 15 and eighth in overall scoring (31-31-62). The Chocolate and White own six of the league's top 10 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 280; Hershey averages 4.3 goals per game overall this season.

GOALTENDING
Michal Neuvirth takes on the Sharks in net this afternoon. He boasts a 14-5-0 record with one shutout this season. Neuvirth shows a GAA of 2.09 and a 92.6% save percentage in 19 starts.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Karl Alzner returns today after being out sick for last night's game. He boasts points in three of his last four games and is fifth in plus/minus among defensemen and eighth overall with +28. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (158 in 65 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (148 in 67 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 22.2% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88% success rate and shows 15 shorthanded goals. Scoring shorthanded goals in back-to-back contests, Steve Pinizzotto now ranks second in the league in that category with five on the season. Boyd Kane sits in fifth with four shorties.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 4-0-0-1
On the road: 22-9-0-1
On Sundays: 14-1-0-0

The Bears and Sharks are already underway after a 4:05 p.m. start in Worcester. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Springfield

2010-03-13T12:42:00.004-05:00

The Bears take on the Springfield Falcons at MassMutual Center tonight for the second installment of the season's home-and-home series. The Falcons prevailed in the first game of the series with a 3-2 shootout win at Giant Center on Nov. 21. Hershey has won 21 of its past 24 tilts and six straight since a Feb. 25 loss in Toronto. The Chocolate and White look to claim the East Division crown tonight and will do so with a regulation win in Springfield, an Albany regulation loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, or a combination of an overtime or shootout loss to the Falcons and an Albany overtime or shootout loss to the Baby Pens.

Springfield sits in the Atlantic Division cellar, suffering a 4-2 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack last night. Charles Linglet leads the Falcons in scoring at a point-per-game pace (18-49-67) but was held off the score sheet last night after finding points in six straight games. He ranks third in the league in assists and fourth in overall scoring. Colton Fretter and Ryan O'Marra each posted a goal against the Bears in the shootout win over the Bears.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 50-12-0-2, 102 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Springfield: 21-34-9-3, 54 points
(8th place in Atlantic Division, 15th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND FALCONS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 0-0-0-1
Springfield: 1-0-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 1-0-0-1
Springfield: 1-1-0-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 5-1-0-3
Springfield: 4-4-0-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Nov. 21: Springfield @ Hershey-- FALCONS 3, Bears 2 (shootout)

Alexandre Giroux notched a goal and an assist in the Nov. 21 shootout loss, while Keith Aucoin shows a goal against Springfield this season.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux remain the top two scorers in the league with 85 and 83 points respectively. Giroux and Chris Bourque have both posted points in five of the last six games, with Giroux striking twice in last night's overtime win in Glens Falls. Aucoin leads the league in game-winning goals with nine. Andrew Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 14 and 10th in overall scoring (30-31-61). The Chocolate and White own six of the league's top 10 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 276; Hershey averages 4.3 goals per game overall this season.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby took the shootout loss in net against the Falcons earlier this season, showing a 1.85 GAA and an 88.2% save percentage. He ranks sixth overall among AHL goaltenders with a record of 19-5-1 in 26 starts, owning a 2.26 GAA and 92% save percentage.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
With two assists last night, Zach Miskovic is now riding a three-game point streak. Karl Alzner boasts points in three of his last four games and is fifth in plus/minus among defensemen and seventh overall with +28. Bryan Helmer scored his third game winner of the season last night. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against (153 in 64 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs in that category (145 in 66 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 22.2% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Hershey owns a league-leading 88.3% success rate and shows 14 shorthanded goals. Steve Pinizzotto ranks third in the league in shorties and Boyd Kane sits in fifth, each with four.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 4-0-0-0
On the road: 22-9-0-0
On Saturdays: 18-2-0-2

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Falcons is slated for 7:00 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com beginning at 6:40 p.m.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Adirondack

2010-03-12T16:47:00.007-05:00

The Bears face off against the Phantoms in Glens Falls tonight for the seventh game of the season's eight-game series, the teams splitting the series at three games apiece. The Bears have won 20 of their past 23 tilts and have already clinched a playoff berth. A Hershey win coupled with an Albany regulation loss at Rochester tonight will guarantee the Bears the East Division title.

The Phantoms are 3-7-0-0 in their last 10 games and have lost four straight games. David Laliberte shows six points in six games against the Bears this season (2-4-6). Patrick Maroon has posted five points in five contests (1-4-5). The Phantoms show just 152 goals for on the season, 119 goals behind Hershey's 271. Jon Matsumoto is Adirondack's leading scorer with 48 points (21-27-48).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 49-12-0-2, 100 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Adirondack: 28-32-2-2, 60 points
(6th place in East Division, 13th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PHANTOMS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-2-0-1
Adirondack: 3-3-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 8-2-0-2
Adirondack: 4-7-1-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 35-11-2-6
Adirondack: 19-33-1-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 16: Hershey @ Adirondack-- PHANTOMS 2, Bears 1
Nov. 27: Hershey @ Adirondack-- BEARS 5, Phantoms 1
Nov. 28: Adirondack @ Hershey-- PHANTOMS 5, Bears 4 (shootout)
Jan. 3: Adirondack @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Phantoms 1
Feb. 19: Hershey @ Adirondack-- PHANTOMS 5, Bears 3
March 7: Adirondack @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Phantoms 2

Keith Aucoin has posted seven points in five games against the Phantoms this season (3-4-7). Bryan Helmer shows five points in five games (1-4-5), while Boyd Kane has notched four goals in six tilts (4-0-4).

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux remain the top two scorers in the league with 84 and 81 points respectively. Giroux and Chris Bourque have both posted points in four of the last five games. Aucoin leads the league in game-winning goals with nine. Andrew Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 14 and 10th in overall scoring (30-31-61). The Chocolate and White own six of the league's top 10 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 271; Hershey averages 4.3 goals per game overall this season.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby shows a 19-5-1 record in 26 starts in net this season. He owns a 2.26 GAA and 92.0% save percentage this season, ranking him sixth overall among AHL goaltenders. Holtby shows a 5-3 loss in his only start against Adirondack this season. Michal Neuvirth holds a 2-1 record against the Phantoms this season, with a GAA of 1.68 and a save percentage of 91.4%.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Bryan Helmer ranks ninth in the league in plus/minus ratings at +26 and is the all-time AHL leader in career assists by a defenseman with 387. Karl Alzner is riding a three-game point streak. He ranks seventh overall in plus/minus and fifth among defensemen with +28. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals in the league (149 in 63 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs (142 goals in 65 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 22.2% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill boasts a league-leading 88.8% success rate and shows 13 shorthanded goals. Boyd Kane is fourth in the league with 4 shorthanded markers this season, while Steve Pinizzotto sits in ninth place with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In March: 3-0-0-0
On the road: 21-9-0-0
On Fridays: 12-6-0-0

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Phantoms is slated for 7:30 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com beginning at 7:10 p.m.

Apologies

2010-03-11T01:56:00.000-05:00

I would like to apologize for the lapse in posts lately. There was a technical glitch, chiefly a dead Dell. However, I am up and running again thanks to a new Macbook. Now back to the regularly scheduled blog.

Video from Outdoor Practice Thursday

2010-03-04T14:01:00.000-05:00

We caught up with a few Bears players and Assistant Coach Troy Mann after the team's annual outdoor practice at the Milton Hershey School's ice rink. Some enjoyed the brisk March morning more than others, staying on the ice long after the conclusion of practice (Andrew Gordon, Mathieu Perreault, Braden Holtby and Steve Pinizzotto, among several others).

Some footage of the practice

Game Preview: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

2010-02-28T01:31:00.001-05:00

Hershey will trek to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this afternoon for the 10th installment in the season's 12-game series, with the Bears prevailing in seven of nine contests against the Baby Pens. In their last outing at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Bears were shut out in a 5-0 decision. The Chocolate and White are 16-3-0-0 in their last 19 games.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton shows a record of 7-3-0-0 in its last 10 games. The Pens continue to battle Bridgeport for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind the Sound Tigers. Chris Conner shows two hat tricks in a five-game span, while Dustin Jeffrey continues to pace the Pens in points with 56 points in 56 games (18-38-56). Conner (2-7-9 in 8 games) and Wyatt Smith (1-8-9 in 9 games) each boast nine points against the Bears this season. Mark Letestu has posted eight points in five games against Hershey (2-6-8).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 45-12-0-2, 92 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 30-27-1-1, 62 points
(4th place in East Division, 9th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 7-2-0-0
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 2-7-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-5-0-2
Wilkes-Bare/Scranton: 7-2-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 25-17-2-5
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 24-20-2-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 9: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 0
Oct. 23: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- Bears 4, PENS 6
Nov. 14: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 3, Pens 1
Nov. 29: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 0
Jan. 1: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 2
Jan. 16: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 7, Pens 2
Jan. 29: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 8, Pens 6
Feb. 7: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 4
Feb. 13: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- PENS 5, Bears 0

Keith Aucoin has registered 12 points (2-10-12) in eight games against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, while Kyle Wilson shows 10 points in nine contests (4-6-10). Boyd Kane (6-3-9 in 9 games) and Mathieu Perreault (4-5-9 in 7 games) each boast nine points against the Baby Pens. Perreault netted his first career hat trick Feb. 7 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin (29-51-80) and Alexandre Giroux (30-46-76) remain the top two scorers in the league with 80 and 76 points respectively. The line of Giroux, Aucoin and Andrew Gordon combined for 11 points in Saturday night's game. Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 13 and eighth in overall scoring (28-30-58). Chris Bourque has recorded points in three of his past four games (3-3-6), and Andrew Joudrey notched points in four of his last five games (2-3-5). The Chocolate and White own six of the league's top 10 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 255, scoring at least eight goals eight times this season.

GOALTENDING
Semyon Varlamov is expected to draw the start in net today. He has faced the Baby Pens once this season, earning a 5-4 win at Giant Center on Feb. 7. He shows an 86.7% save percentage against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and 91.5% save percentage overall with the Bears this season.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Rearguard John Carlson is riding a four-game point streak into today's game (0-4-4) and ranks ninth in scoring among all rookies (4-33-37). His +36 rating is the best in the entire league. Bryan Helmer is one assist shy of establishing a new AHL record for most assists by a defenseman. He currently shares the record with Steve Kraftcheck with 386 career helpers. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals in the league (143 in 59 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs (132 goals in 60 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White boast a 21.7% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 88.6% success rate and shows 13 shorthanded goals. Boyd Kane is third in the league with 4 shorthanded markers this season, while Steve Pinizzotto sits in seventh place with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In February: 8-3-0-0
On the road: 19-9-0-0
On Sundays: 12-1-0-0

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Baby Pens is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. John Walton's live broadcast is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com with airtime at 12:45 p.m.

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-27T18:15:00.000-05:00

February 27, 2000: Serge Aubin recorded his second of back-to-back hat tricks at Hersheypark Arena, as the Bears defeated the Albany River Rats 5-1. The night before, Aubin scored three goals against the Louisville Panthers in an 8-3 victory.

No Hershey player has registered hat tricks in back-to-back games since Aubin did 10 years ago today.

Albany @ Hershey Postgame Reactions

2010-02-22T00:57:00.000-05:00

Tonight was a monumental night for the Bears organization, as the franchise established a new AHL record with its 20th consecutive win on home ice. In the victory, Hershey captain Bryan Helmer notched his 386th career assist to tie an AHL mark held by Steve Kraftcheck: most career assists by a defenseman. Head coach Mark French, Helmer, Francois Bouchard and Jason Bacashihua respond to tonight's effort.

The recap of the game, as always, is available on the Bears' official site.

Support THON This Weekend

2010-02-20T03:15:00.000-05:00

On a topic completely unrelated to hockey, I'd like to point out that this weekend is Penn State's annual THON. As a Penn State alum, this is a cause very near and dear to my heart. I was deeply involved during my time in State College.

For those unfamiliar with the cause, this weekend's events are the culmination of yearlong efforts to support the Four Diamonds Fund and the families of children afflicted with pediatric cancer.

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the entire world. Over the course of the year, money and awareness are raised through multiple events including a 5k in the fall, a family carnival in December, and canning weekends, during which students infiltrate intersections and shopping centers throughout the Northeast to collect spare change in coffee cans. THON weekend itself is a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon held each February. The mission of THON is ultimately to conquer childhood cancer.

Thousands of volunteers on 14 committees plan and execute the weekend's events, while 700 dancers elect to forgo sitting and sleeping for 46 hours FOR THE KIDS (the THON mantra). At the end of the weekend, the fundraising total is revealed. The figure grows exponentially each year. Last year's total was $7,490,133.87.

THON is a truly life changing experience, and this post does not come close to doing it justice. I've never been prouder to be a Penn State alum. I encourage everyone to visit thon.org to learn more about THON and its history, to donate to the cause, and to watch the live webcast this weekend.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Adirondack

2010-02-19T15:18:00.004-05:00

The Bears face off against the Phantoms in Glens Falls tonight for the fifth game of the season's eight-game series. Hershey and Adirondack have split the series at two games apiece. The Bears have won 24 of their past 26 tilts, with just two losses in 2010--to Norfolk on Jan. 13 and to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Feb. 13. Hershey's last loss on home ice came at the hands of the Phantoms in a 5-4 decision Nov. 28.

The Phantoms are 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games. David Laliberte, Jon Matsumoto and Jason Ward each show a goal and two assists against the Bears in four games this season. The Phantoms show just 130 goals for on the season, 99 goals behind Hershey's 229. Matsumoto is Adirondack's leading scorer with 43 points (20-23-43).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 40-9-0-2, 82 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Adirondack: 25-25-2-2, 54 points
(5th place in East Division, 12th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PHANTOMS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 2-1-0-1
Adirondack: 2-2-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 8-2-0-2
Adirondack: 4-7-1-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 34-10-2-6
Adirondack: 18-32-1-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 16: Hershey @ Adirondack-- PHANTOMS 2, Bears 1
Nov. 27: Hershey @ Adirondack-- BEARS 5, Phantoms 1
Nov. 28: Adirondack @ Hershey-- PHANTOMS 5, Bears 4 (shootout)
Jan. 3: Adirondack @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Phantoms 1

Keith Aucoin has posted five points in three games against the Phantoms this season (2-3-5). Bryan Helmer (1-3-4) and John Carlson (0-4-4) have each recorded four points in three games.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux remain the top two scorers in the league with 72 and 68 points respectively. Andrew Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 12 and ninth in overall scoring (24-29-53). The Chocolate and White own 10 of the league's top 20 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 229; Hershey averages 4.3 goals per game overall this season.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby shows a 17-3-1 record in 21 starts in net this season. He owns a 2.18 GAA and 92.2% save percentage this season, ranking him fifth overall among AHL goaltenders. Holtby has not played against Adirondack this season. Michal Neuvirth holds a 1-1 record against the Phantoms this season, with a GAA of 1.51 and a save percentage of 91.7%. Jason Bacashihua suffered a shootout loss in his only start against Adirondack.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Patrick McNeill shows points in nine of his last 11 games and now ranks 11th in scoring among defensemen (7-24-31). Bryan Helmer ranks 14th in the league in plus/minus ratings at +19. Rookie John Carlson is ninth in scoring among rookies and eighth among defensemen (4-29-33). He owns the AHL's second best plus/minus rating at +32, while Karl Alzner sits in fifth with +24. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals in the league (127 in 53 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs (127 goals in 56 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White have had a 22.8% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. Blanking the Lowell Devils last Sunday, the penalty kill now boasts a league-leading 90.2% success rate and shows 12 shorthanded goals. Boyd Kane is second in the league with 4 shorthanded markers this season, while Steve Pinizzotto sits in sixth place with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In February: 4-1-0-0
On the road: 18-7-0-0
On Fridays: 12-5-0-0

Opening faceoff between the Bears and Phantoms is slated for 7:30 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or sportsjuice.com beginning at 7:10 p.m.

Hershey's Sweet Fans

2010-02-19T00:36:00.003-05:00

I spent Tuesday evening taking in an Atlantic Division contest between the Springfield Falcons and Worcester Sharks at Springfield's Mass Mutual Center. Though the town is home to AHL headquarters, the team did not garner much support for the match-up. The experience was a stark contrast to a night on Hersheypark Drive.

The most notable difference? The crowd, or lack thereof. Reported attendance, according to the official score sheet, was an overly generous 3,411 fans. This number was not announced in the arena, which isn't surprising, as the figure would have been a boldfaced lie. It suggests that the arena was half full, when it was most certainly not. I had two full rows of seats to myself, and other sections were only peppered with handfuls of spectators. Sure, it was a snowy mid-February weeknight, but the concourse was packed with hundreds of hopefuls looking to find internships and jobs in the sports industry a mere hour before puck drop. Few stayed for the game, and I highly doubt inclement weather was the sole factor influencing that decision. And that is truly a shame.

This picture was taken during warmups, but the stands didn't fill much more by opening faceoff.

MassMutual Center is a perfectly respectable AHL venue. The Falcons are in the Atlantic Division cellar and the team will indubitably be hitting the golf course early this spring. But does a losing record warrant such a lapse in support?

The spectators in attendance were a vociferous group, but their yells were disheartening, to say the least. A man behind me was demanding fights within the first 10 minutes of play.

"Give us what we paid for," he bellowed, "cause it isn't goals!"

Others nearby issued catcalls regarding the team's NHL affiliation. With Edmonton deciding to activate its dormant AHL franchise in Oklahoma next season, the Falcons are without a parent club. However, the fans expect Anaheim to become Springfield's new affiliate.

"This oil well's dried up. We'd better be quacking next year," was the remark of one man.

Dozens more chanted variations of "We want the Ducks" or "Bring on the Ducks" progressively louder as the game went on. (Worcester issued a savage 6-0 beating to the Falcons, with three goals in the first nine minutes of the game chasing Jean-Philippe Levasseur from net.)

I write this not to disparage the Springfield Falcons franchise, its fans, or MassMutual Center, but rather to offer a caveat to those in Hershey. We are spoiled to partake in such overwhelming success. We witness a myriad of crowds 10,000 strong over the course of the season. We have seen three trips to the Calder Cup Finals and two Calder Cup titles in the past four years and continue to sit atop the AHL. Blizzard conditions excluded, the Bears never play before a sparsely filled arena.

Tuesday was nothing short of a hockey culture shock. It is my sincere hope that a new affiliate brings the Falcons success next year. But in the present, this experience has put things in perspective. I have gained a new respect for the Bears organization and the unparalleled support of the Chocolatetown loyal.

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-18T23:02:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday, Hershey Bears Hockey Club.

February 18, 1931: The first hockey game was played in Hershey, as Penn A.C. faced off against Villanova in the Convention Hall, a 1900-seat building also known as the "Ice Palace."

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

Today marks the anniversary of a special teams feat. Despite the record-destroying rampage of this year's squad and the league's top special teams, this franchise mark still remains intact.

February 14, 1992: The Bears scored three shorthanded goals in a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Skipjacks at Baltimore Arena, establishing the club record for most shorties in a single game.

Hershey potted two shorthanded markers against the Hartford Wolf Pack on Dec. 6, with goals from Steve Pinizzotto and Gavin Morgan.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

2010-02-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hershey will trek to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tonight for the ninth game of the season's 12-game series, with the Bears prevailing in seven of eight contests against the Baby Pens. The Bears have won 23 of their past 24 tilts and 11 consecutive contests since a loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. They look to reach the 12-straight win mark tonight to tie the franchise record set this season. In Friday's win the Chocolate and White became the first team in the league to reach the 40-win plateau.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton shows a record of 4-6-0-0 in its last 10 games. The Pens managed to stay out of the East Division cellar with a shootout win over the Binghamton Senators Friday night. Mark Letestu is again with Pittsburgh on NHL recall; he has notched six goals and two assists in five games against the Bears this season. Dustin Jeffrey is the Pens' points leader with 48 points in 49 games (14-34-48).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 40-9-0-2, 82 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 24-26-1-1, 50 points
(5th place in East Division, 12th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 7-1-0-0
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 1-7-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-5-0-2
Wilkes-Bare/Scranton: 7-2-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 25-16-2-5
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 23-20-2-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 9: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 0
Oct. 23: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- Bears 4, PENS 6
Nov. 14: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 3, Pens 1
Nov. 29: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 0
Jan. 1: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 2
Jan. 16: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 7, Pens 2
Jan. 29: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 8, Pens 6
Feb. 7: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 4

Keith Aucoin has registered 12 points (2-10-12) in seven games against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, while Kyle Wilson shows 10 points in eight contests (4-6-10). Boyd Kane (6-3-9 in 8 games) and Mathieu Perreault (4-5-9 in 6 games) each boast nine points against the Baby Pens. Perreault netted his first career hat trick last Sunday against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux remain the top two scorers in the league with 72 and 68 points respectively. Andrew Gordon ranks second in the league in power play goals with 12 and sixth in overall scoring (24-28-52). The Chocolate and White own eight of the league's top 12 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have far and away the most goals for in the AHL with 224; Hershey averages 6.5 goals per game in its current 11-game winning streak and 4.4 goals per game overall this season.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby shows a 16-2-1 record in 19 starts in net this season. He owns a 2.04 GAA and 92.8% save percentage this season, ranking him fifth overall among AHL goaltenders. Holtby's last start for the Bears was an 8-6 win over the Baby Pens in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Jan. 29. He is 4-0-0 against the Penguins this season with a 2.50 GAA and 91.7% save percentage.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
With a goal in last night's game, Patrick McNeill shows points in eight of his last 10 games and now ranks12th in scoring among defensemen (6-23-29). Bryan Helmer ranks 10th in the league in plus/minus ratings at +22. The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals in the league (120 in 51 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs (120 goals in 54 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White boast a 22.8% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the best power play in the AHL. After denying Albany on six of seven chances last night, the penalty kill has had a league-leading 90.2% success rate and shows 12 shorthanded goals. Boyd Kane is the league leader with 4 shorthanded markers this season, while Steve Pinizzotto sits in sixth place with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In February: 3-0-0-0
On the road: 18-6-0-0
On Saturdays: 15-1-0-2

The Bears and Penguins will face off at 7:05 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com beginning at 6:45 p.m.

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Today's bit of trivia pays homage to the role of the offensive defenseman.

February 13, 1999: Chris Armstrong scored three goals to lift the Bears to a 6-3 win over the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs at Hersheypark Arena. Armstrong's three-goal feat is significant, as it marks the most recent hat trick by a Hershey blueliner.

Not a single Bears defenseman has registered a multi-goal night this season.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Albany

2010-02-12T12:21:00.003-05:00

The Bears face the Albany River Rats at Times Union Center tonight in the sixth installment of the season's 8-game series, with Hershey looking for its 40th win of the season. The teams have split the series thus far, the Bears emerging with three wins in five games. The Chocolate and White has won 22 of its past 23 and 10 straight since its loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. AHL-leading scorer Keith Aucoin has been held without a point in two consecutive games for the first time all season.

Albany enters Friday night's game with a 1-3-0-1 record in its last five games and sits just six points ahead of third place Norfolk in the East Division. Jiri Tlusty shows points in three straight games since being reassigned by Carolina, while rookie Drayson Bowman has posted goals in back-to-back tilts. Jerome Samson is the Rats' leading scorer with 40 points in 50 games (19-21-40).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 39-9-0-2, 80 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Albany: 27-19-3-3, 60 points
(2nd place in East Division, 6th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND RATS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-2-0-0
Albany: 2-3-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-0-0
Albany: 2-2-1-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 22-8-0-1
Albany: 9-19-2-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 31: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Rats 1
Dec. 4: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 1, RATS 3
Dec. 11: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 0, RATS 3
Jan. 15: Hershey @ Albany-- BEARS 10, Rats 4
Jan. 30: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 8, Rats 3

Hershey scored eight goals against Albany in the teams' last outing Jan. 30, as Chris Bourque recorded five points (1-4-5). The Rats are responsible for dealing the Bears their longest losing streak on the road this season--a pair of games at Times Union Center on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. The Dec. 11 loss also marks the last time the Chocolate and White was shut out, courtesy of Justin Peters.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Alexandre Giroux shows nine points in just three games against Albany this season (5-4-9), and Andrew Gordon has notched eight points in five appearances (4-4-8).   Keith Aucoin and Giroux continue to lead the league in points with 71 and 66, respectively, though neither has found the score sheet in either of the last two games. Aucoin ranks in the AHL's top five for shooting percentage with 28 goals on 116 shots.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Rookie John Carlson is 10th in scoring among both rookies and all league blueliners (3-28-31). Carlson ranks first in rookie plus/minus and second in defensemen at +30. Patrick McNeill shows points in seven of his last nine games. With a goal and an assist in last Sunday's game, Bryan Helmer recorded his fourth multi-point effort of the season.

GOALTENDING
Jason Bacashihua has earned three wins in four starts against the River Rats this season (3-1-0-0), showing a 2.52 GAA and 90.3% save percentage. Braden Holtby has not played against Albany but owns a 2.04 GAA and 92.8% save percentage this season. He has won 16 of 19 appearances between the pipes.

SPECIAL TEAMS
With two power play goals in their last contest, the Chocolate and White bettered to the AHL's top man advantage, now boasting a 22.2% conversion rate this season. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 90.3% success rate, with 12 shorthanded goals for the Bears. Boyd Kane leads the league in shorthanded goals this season with four, while Steve Pinizzotto sits tied for fourth with three. Hershey has blanked the opposing power play in its past three outings.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In February: 2-0-0-0
On Fridays: 11-5-0-0
On the road: 17-6-0-0

Opening faceoff between the Bears and River Rats is slated for 7:00 p.m. John Walton's live broadcast begins at 6:40 p.m., available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com.

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

As the boys in the Chocolate and White chase a myriad of longstanding franchise and league records, I feel it is especially important to point out a mark that still stands (at least for the time being).

February 10, 1984: The Bears and Sherbrooke Jets combined for 18 goals in a 10-8 Hershey triumph, the club record for most goals scored between two teams in a single game.

Twice this season the Bears and their opponents have reached the 14-goal plateau. Hershey posted a 10-4 win over the River Rats in Albany on Jan. 15 before the 8-6 three-ring circus that took place in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Jan. 29.

The Birth of Olympic Hockey

2010-02-10T01:05:00.001-05:00

With the Olympics looming, we preface the Vancouver Games with a history lesson--the humble beginnings of Olympic hockey. Thus, we begin with a man by the name of Frank Frederickson.

Frederickson was a first generation Canadian, born to Icelandic immigrants. His parents wanted him to be like the other children in Winnipeg, and thus they bought him skates and built a backyard rink. He became acclimated to the neighborhood and the English language through the game of hockey, eventually captaining the Manitoba Hockey League's Winnipeg Falcons to a championship in 1915.

A 21-year-old Frederickson enlisted in the Canadian army the following year, where he was nearly killed. Thankfully he was not; he returned to Winnipeg in 1919.

Despite fighting for his country, when Frederickson returned from war he was denied by the Manitoba senior hockey league. The senior league was comprised of players from prosperous families, while Frederickson and his former Falcon teammates were viewed as poor immigrants.

Frederickson remedied the situation by appealing to the sports editor of the Winnipeg Free Press for the formation of an independent hockey league. Along with two other teams, the Falcons reassembled in a new league.

Under the leadership of coach Fred "Steamer" Maxwell, they defeated both the Manitoba league champions and Lakehead winner by the conclusion of the season. The Falcons earned a berth in the Allan Cup, the pinnacle of senior men's amateur hockey in Canada, to face Toronto. At stake was more than a mere trophy. Winnipeg's Falcons, deemed an underdog in the contest, easily triumphed with better than 8,000 fans in attendance to support the heavily favored Toronto squad. Upon the conclusion of the series, the Falcons boarded a ship bound for Europe.

The prize awarded to Frank Frederickson and his fellow Falcons? An appearance at the 1920 Olympic Games, on behalf of Canada.

The year 1920 marked the birth of Olympic ice hockey, with seven countries represented: Canada, the United States, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia and Sweden. In the wake of World War I, the Canadian team drew overwhelming admiration from the Europeans. However, the team was denounced by the overconfident Americans, who wagered that they would defeat the Canadians.

Canada trounced the United States in a 2-0 decision to win the bet. The Canadians outscored opponents 29-1 in the 1920 Olympics, with the lone goal allowed to the Swedes. Although the undisputed champions of the inaugural World Championships, Canada's gold medal was later discredited when the International Olympic Committee elected to make only the winter games from 1924 forward "official."

Official or not, Frederickson and his Icelandic teammates captured gold for Canada.

On Feb. 28, just 57 days short of exactly 90 years after an independent Winnipeg club was named the best hockey team in the world, this year's gold medal game will be played. Will team Canada emerge from Vancouver with an official gold medal this year?

(Photo credit: winnipegfalcons.com)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey Postgame Reactions

2010-02-07T18:53:00.003-05:00

The Bears sent the Penguins marching back up I-81, capturing their seventh win in eight games this season. Today's game reinforced the fact that this team will find any way to win. In the wake of arguably the worst period of hockey this team has played to date, the Chocolate and White managed to rally from three goals down not only to win, but to do so in regulation.

Hershey has now won 17 straight games on home ice and has established its second 10-game winning streak of the year. As always, my game recap is available on the Bears' site.

What's better than a win over the Penguins? Two wins over the Penguins in one day (and in parallel fashion, no less). The symmetry between the Caps/Pens and Bears/Baby Pens games was staggering:

Both the Caps and Bears overcame three-goal deficits
Both the Caps and Bears won 5-4 (although the Bears did it in regulation, the Caps in OT)
Each team was helped by a hat trick effort (Caps- Ovechkin, Bears- Perreault)
Ovi and Perry both notched assists on their teams' respective game-winning goals

After staging their biggest comeback of the season, Head Coach Mark French, Mathieu Perreault and Bryan Helmer reflect on today's effort.

(Photo credit: penguinsland.blogspot.com)

Game Preview: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey

2010-02-06T18:49:00.001-05:00

Hershey hosts Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tomorrow afternoon in the eighth game of the season's 12-game series, with the Bears prevailing in six of seven contests against the Baby Pens. Hershey has won 21 of its past 22 tilts and nine straight since a loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. The Chocolate and White have collected 61 goals in that stretch (plus a shootout tally), outscoring opponents by a 35-goal margin.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has dropped seven of its last 10 games. Nick Johnson scored the lone goal in the Baby Pens' 4-1 loss to Syracuse Friday night. Luca Caputi shows points in his last seven starts (5-6-11) since being reassigned by Pittsburgh, while Dustin Jeffrey leads the Pens in points with 47 (14-33-47). Mark Letestu, currently on NHL recall, has notched six goals and two assists in five games against the Bears this season.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 38-9-0-2, 78 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 23-24-1-1, 48 points
(5th place in East Division, 12th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND PENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 6-1-0-0
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 1-6-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-5-0-2
Wilkes-Bare/Scranton: 7-2-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 24-16-2-5
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 23-19-2-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES

Oct. 9: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 0
Oct. 23: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- Bears 4, PENS 6
Nov. 14: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 3, Pens 1
Nov. 29: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 0
Jan. 1: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 2
Jan. 16: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 7, Pens 2
Jan. 29: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 8, Pens 6

Keith Aucoin has registered two goals and 10 assists in six games against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, while Boyd Kane has netted six goals in seven contests.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux saw 16-game point streaks snapped Wednesday night in Norfolk, but the pair remain the top two scorers in the league. Andrew Gordon ranks third in power play goals with 11. The Chocolate and White own eight of the league's top 11 spots in plus/minus. The Bears have averaged 6.8 goals per game in their current nine-game winning streak and 4.4 overall on the season.

GOALTENDING
Semyon Varlamov is expected to draw the start in net in tomorrow's match-up, his second appearance for Hershey this season on a conditioning stint. Varlamov earned a 4-1 win in net against Adirondack on Jan. 3.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Rookie John Carlson sits second in the AHL in plus/minus ratings at +29 and eighth in scoring among defensemen (3-28-31). Patrick McNeill has recorded points in seven of his last eight games and is 12th in scoring among defensemen (5-23-28). The Bears have allowed the second fewest goals against in the league (114 in 49 games), trailing only the Hamilton Bulldogs (114 goals in 52 games).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White boast a 21.8% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the second best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 90.1% success rate, with 12 shorthanded goals. Boyd Kane is the league leader with 4 shorthanded markers this season, while Steve Pinizzotto sits in fifth place with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In February: 1-0-0-0
At home: 21-3-0-2
On Sundays: 9-1-0-0

The Bears and Penguins will face off at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow. The game is sold out, but John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com beginning at 12:40 p.m.

Tonight's Game Postponed

2010-02-06T11:11:00.003-05:00

Tonight's game has been postponed until tomorrow afternoon, with opening faceoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The last game postponed in Hershey was Dec. 16, 2007, when an ice storm prevented the Bears from playing the Binghamton Senators.

Enjoy the snow!

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

Today we rewind 38 years in the Chocolatetown history book, to the pre-shootout era.

February 5, 1972: Hershey backstop Andre Gill and Cincinnati goaltender Rocky Farr both posted shutouts as the Bears and now-defunct Swords played to a scoreless tie at Hersheypark Arena.

Bears Sink Admirals

2010-02-03T23:51:00.001-05:00

The Bears emerged victorious in a 3-2 shootout thriller at Norfolk Scope tonight, winning the club's ninth straight game. Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux's 16-game scoring streaks were snapped, as was Boyd Kane's eight-game streak. Andrew Joudrey notched both of Hershey's goals in regulation, his third multi-point effort of the season.

My game recap is available on the Bears' official site.

Saturday's game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins is already sold out. It will mark the sixth sellout of the season for Hershey.

Game Preview: Hershey @ Norfolk

2010-02-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

The Bears seek revenge at Norfolk Scope tonight in the seventh match-up of the season's 10-game series. The Admirals dealt Hershey its only loss during the month of January with a 4-3 heartbreaker in Norfolk Jan. 13, effectively snapping the Bears' 12-game winning streak. The boys in the Chocolate and White have won five of six games against the Ads this season, capturing wins in 20 of their last 21 and eight straight since their last visit to the Scope. Hershey has amassed 59 goals in that stretch, outscoring opponents by a 35-goal differential.

Norfolk has been a team on the rise since Jim Johnson stepped into the head coaching position with the departure of Darren Rumble. The Ads have just completed a seven-game road swing through the Northeast, going 6-0-1 to surge from the bottom of the East Division into third place. Norfolk will close out the regular season playing 20 of its remaining 31 games on home ice. Matt Fornataro has netted a goal in three straight games and notched points in six of his past seven (5-2-7). Netminder Dustin Tokarski went 4-0-0 for the Ads during their road trip, posting a 1.47 GAA, 95.2% save percentage and one shutout. Mark Parrish shows four goals in five games against the Bears this season, including the game winner on Jan. 13.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 37-9-0-2, 76 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Norfolk: 23-23-3-0, 49 points
(3rd place in East Division, 9th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND ADS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 5-1-0-0
Norfolk: 1-5-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 8-2-0-0
Norfolk: 2-7-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 29-14-1-2
Norfolk : 17-26-2-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 3: Norfolk @ Hershey-- BEARS 3, Admirals 1
Nov. 13: Norfolk @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Admirals 3
Dec. 5: Norfolk @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Admirals 4
Dec. 27: Norfolk @ Hershey-- BEARS 7, Admirals 1
Dec. 29: Hershey @ Norfolk-- BEARS 5, Admirals 3
Jan. 13: Hershey @ Norfolk-- Bears 3, ADMIRALS 4

Keith Aucoin has recorded four goals and seven assists (4-7-11) in six games against the Ads this season, while Alexandre Giroux has three goals and six assists (3-6-9) in five games. Jason Bacashihua earned a win in net at Norfolk Scope Dec. 29.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux, the league's top two scorers, carry 16-game point streaks into tonight's contest. Boyd Kane is riding an eight-game points streak (5-7-12). The Bears own 11 of the league's top 20 spots in plus/minus ratings. Hershey has been averaging better than seven goals per game during its current eight-game winning streak and averages 4.4 goals per game overall on the season.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Freshman defenseman John Carlson continues his campaign for rookie of the year, ranking second in assists among rookies and second among all defensemen with 28. He is also sixth in scoring and second in plus/minus (+29) among all defensemen.

GOALTENDING
The Bears have added goaltender Parker Van Buskirk (#31) for tonight's game, as Michal Neuvirth has sustained a minor injury and will be unable to play. Van Buskirk, a 21-year-old native of Windsor, Ontario, has split this year between the Utah Grizzlies and South Carolina Stingrays. Jason Bacashihua will start between the pipes in Norfolk tonight. He is 9-2-1-1 this season, with a 2.82 GAA and 90.1% save percentage.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bears boast a 22.2% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the second best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 90% success rate, with 12 shorthanded goals for the Bears. Boyd Kane leads the league in shorthanded goals this season with four, while Steve Pinizzotto sits tied for fourth with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
On Wednesdays: 1-2-0-0
On the road: 16-6-0-0

The Bears and Admirals will face off with a 7:15 p.m. start. John Walton's live broadcast will be available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com, with airtime at 6:55 p.m.

Alzner Recalled

2010-02-02T14:18:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Karl Alzner today. Here is the official release, courtesy of Washington:

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Karl Alzner from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Alzner, 21, is a second-year pro who stands 6’3”, 206 pounds and has recorded five assists in 18 games with the Capitals this season. The Burnaby, British Columbia, native has played 30 games for Hershey this season and has one goal, six assists and only 10 penalty minutes. His +23 rating is tied for seventh in the AHL.

Alzner was Washington’s first-round selection, fifth overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and wears No. 27 for the Capitals.

This Date in Bears History

2010-02-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

Another day, another milestone in Bears history to acknowledge.

February 2, 1981: The Chocolate and White enjoyed the best offensive period of hockey in club history. The Bears scored a staggering nine goals in the second period, as Hershey defeated the Rochester Americans by an 11-4 margin at Hersheypark Arena.

The most goals notched by the Bears this season came against Hartford on Dec. 6, with Hershey finding the back of the net six times in the second period. The Bears emerged with a 9-2 victory that night.

Keith Aucoin Takes Player of the Month Honors

2010-02-01T16:07:00.001-05:00

The AHL announced today that Keith Aucoin has been named the player of the month for January, undoubtedly a surprise to no one in Bears Nation.

The release, courtesy of the AHL:

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Hershey Bears center Keith Aucoin has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Month for January. Aucoin erupted for 35 points in 14 games on the month, registering 12 goals and 23 assists along with a plus-11 rating.

Aucoin averaged 2.50 points per game in January, a scorching pace that vaulted him to the top of the league leaderboard in goals, assists and points. Among his 10 multiple-point performances were five three-point efforts and three four-point nights, and he capped the month by becoming the 42nd player in AHL history to reach 600 career points with a goal and two assists on Jan. 31 vs. Binghamton. Aucoin had at least one assist in every game, and he enters February with a 16-game assist streak – one game shy of the all-time AHL record. He also appeared in his fifth consecutive AHL All-Star Classic last month and scored his first career All-Star goal.

In recognition of his achievement, Aucoin will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Bears home game.

Aucoin sits first in the AHL with 28 goals, 43 assists and 71 points in 41 games for Hershey in 2009-10. He ranks second with seven game-winning goals – including three in January – and fourth with his plus-26 rating. In 546 games over nine AHL seasons, Aucoin has registered 187 goals and 413 assists (good for 24th all-time) for 600 points. He has added eight goals and 18 assists in 74 career NHL games, including a goal and four assists in nine contests with Washington this year.

Leading the entire league in goals, Aucoin still considers himself a passer. "I’m going to stick to it," he said.

"I’m not shooting any more than I did last year or the past few years in games. They have to take somebody away, and they look to take away Giroux because he had 75 goals last year, which has opened me up a little bit more this year. I’ve been able to capitalize on my opportunity and score goals."

Congrats to Coiner on the well-deserved award.

(Photo credit: capsinpictures.com)

Binghamton @ Hershey Postgame Reactions

2010-01-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

The Bears only found the back of the net six times tonight. (Only, right?) En route to the club's 16th consecutive win on home ice and eighth straight win overall, Hershey saw several point streaks extended and several others snapped. After posting points in eight straight, Chris Bourque saw his streak discontinued, while Patty McNeill was blanked for the first time in seven games. Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux stretched their respective point streaks to 16 games with a combined seven points tonight. The pair have notched 72 points during those 16 games. Boyd Kane netted a goal and recorded an assist to extend his point streak to eight games. With a goal and two assists tonight, Aucoin tallied his 600th career point.

My complete game recap is available at the Bears official website.

Head Coach Mark French, Keith Aucoin and Kyle Wilson offer their insight on tonight's effort in the postgame video.

Holtby Recalled, Neuvirth Assigned

2010-01-31T14:37:00.001-05:00

It appears that the Washington Capitals have just recalled Braden Holtby and assigned Michal Neuvirth.

The official press release:

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Braden Holtby from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and assigned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to Hershey, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Holtby, 20, is a first-year pro who stands 6’1”, 209 pounds. He has split this season with Hershey and the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) while also making two appearances as a backup for the Capitals (Oct. 17 vs. Nashville, Jan. 27 vs. Anaheim).

Holtby has posted a 16-2-1 record with Hershey and has a 2.04 goals-against average (fifth in the league) and .928 save percentage (seventh in the league). He has won five straight games for the Bears. In South Carolina Holtby posted a 7-2-1-2 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage, earning a spot in the ECHL All-Star Game.

The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, native was the Capitals’ fourth-round choice, 93rd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Holtby, No. 70 with Washington, is available for this afternoon’s game against Tampa Bay.

Neuvirth, 21, has split this season between Washington and Hershey. He has compiled an 8-4-0 record, 2.75 goals-against average and .911 save percentage with the Capitals. Fourteen of his 15 appearances have come since his most recent recall, Dec. 9, and he has won three straight for the Capitals.

In Hershey, Neuvirth has posted a 10-5-0 record with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. He was selected to the AHL All-Star Game but was unable to participate due to his recall with Washington.

Neuvirth will start in net for the Bears tonight against Binghamton.

Game Preview: Binghamton @ Hershey

2010-01-31T11:57:00.001-05:00

The Bears welcome the Binghamton Senators to Giant Center tonight for the sixth installment in the season's best-of-eight series. Hershey has emerged the victor in four of five contests against Binghamton this season. The Bears have won 19 of their last 20 and seven straight since a loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. The Chocolate and White have amassed 53 goals in that stretch, outscoring opponents by a 30-goal margin. Hershey has now reached eight goals in four consecutive games, establishing a new franchise record.

The cellar dwellers of the East Division, Binghamton has lost three straight games. The Senators fell to dead last in the division in a 5-1 loss to the Syracuse Crunch last night. Ryan Keller paces Binghamton with 21 goals and 39 points in 37 games this season. The Senators possess the league's fifth best penalty kill with an 86.3% success rate. Bingo has only won on Giant Center ice twice in 18 games over the past five years and is 7-12-2-0 on the road this season.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 36-9-0-2, 74 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Binghamton: 19-21-3-1, 42 points
(7th place in East Division, 14th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND SENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-1-0-0
Binghamton: 1-3-1-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-1-1
Binghamton: 4-4-0-0

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 26-7-1-3
Binghamton: 11-19-4-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 10: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 8, Sens 1
Oct. 17: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 3, Sens 2 (overtime)
Oct. 24: Binghamton @ Hershey-- Bears 2, SENS 5
Nov. 20: Hershey @ Binghamton-- BEARS 5, Sens 2
Jan. 2: Binghamton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Sens 3

Alexandre Giroux shows six goals and three assists in four games against the Sens this season. The Bears posted a franchise-best 27 shots on goal in the second period and the team's most shots in a game this season (44) against Binghamton on Oct. 17.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux both bring their AHL-leading 15-game scoring streaks into tonight and have combined for a total of 65 points over that span. Chris Bourque became the second Bear this season to register a five-point game (the other was Alexandre Giroux) and shows points in his last eight games (6-14-20). Boyd Kane is riding a seven-game points streak (4-6-10). Hershey has been averaging 7.6 goals per game during its current seven-game winning streak and averages 4.4 goals per game overall on the season.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Patrick McNeill shows points in six consecutive games (2-8-10). Freshman defenseman John Carlson continues his campaign for rookie of the year, ranking third in assists among rookies and second among all defensemen with 26. He is also first among rookies and second among all defensemen in plus/minus with +26.

GOALTENDING
Backstop Braden Holtby now sits fifth in the AHL with 16 wins in 19 outings. The ECHL all-star owns a 2.04 GAA and a 92.8% save percentage.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bears posted another three power play goals last night and now boast a 22.4% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the second best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 89.9% success rate, with 12 shorthanded goals for the Bears. Boyd Kane leads the league in shorthanded goals this season with four, while Steve Pinizzotto sits tied for fourth with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In January: 12-1-0-0
On Sundays: 8-1-0-0
At home: 20-3-0-2

Opening face-off between the Bears and Senators is slated for 5:00 p.m. To those coming out tonight: don't forget to help a fellow Bears fan by donating to the Jason Hartle Mobility Fund at the Booster Club table behind Section 117. Last night, the Booster Club collected nearly two-thirds of the funds necessary to acquire a new vehicle for Jason. Please donate tonight if you have not already. (Every dollar helps). If you are unable to make the game, John Walton's live broadcast will be available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com, with airtime at 4:40 p.m.

Albany @ Hershey Postgame Reactions

2010-01-31T02:14:00.003-05:00

Behold the majestic... river rat?

The Bears embarrassed the boys with the oversized wet rodents on their chests tonight, reaching the eight-goal mark for the fourth consecutive game.

As always, my recap of the game is available on the Hershey Bears' official website.

Head Coach Mark French, Chris Bourque, Jason Bacashihua, Keith Aucoin and Kyle Wilson reflect on tonight's win in postgame interviews.

(Photo credit: cricketwalker.com)

Scratches and Lines vs. Albany

2010-01-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

LINES:
Giroux-Aucoin-Gordon
Kane-Wilson-Pinizzotto
Bourque-Perreault-Bouchard
Osala-Beagle-Joudrey

DEFENSE:
Alzner-Carlson
McNeill-Helmer
Collins-Miskovic

IN GOAL:
Jason Bacashihua will draw the start in net tonight, his 13th appearance of the season and first since Jan. 15 in Albany. He is 8-2-1-1 with one shutout. Bacashihua's GAA is 2.81, and his save percentage is 90.1%.

SCRATCHES:
Grant McNeill and Patrick Wellar are both healthy scratches on defense, while Greg Amadio is recovering from elbow surgery.

REFEREE:
Nygel Pelletier

Game Preview: Albany @ Hershey

2010-01-30T14:57:00.001-05:00

The Bears host the Albany River Rats at Giant Center tonight in the fifth game of the season's 8-game series. The Bears and Rats have split the series thus far with two games apiece. Hershey has won 18 of its past 19 and six straight since its loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. The Chocolate and White have outscored opponents 45-20 in those six games, with three consecutive eight-goal efforts. A mere six AHL games this season have seen a team score eight or more goals. The Bears account for five of those six games.

Albany enters Saturday night's game winners in nine of its last 12 road tilts (9-3-0-0). The River Rats began the year 1-6-1-1 away from Times Union Center. Jerome Samson is the Rats' points leader with 16 goals and 37 points in 45 games. He has notched at least a point in eight of his last 10 games (5-5-10).

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 35-9-0-2, 72 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Albany: 26-16-3-2, 57 points
(2nd place in East Division, 5th place in Eastern Conference)

HOW THE BEARS AND RATS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 2-2-0-0
Albany: 2-2-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 4-2-0-0
Albany: 2-2-1-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 21-8-0-1
Albany: 9-18-2-1

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES
Oct. 31: Albany @ Hershey-- BEARS 4, Rats 1
Dec. 4: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 1, RATS 3
Dec. 11: Hershey @ Albany-- Bears 0, RATS 3
Jan. 15: Hershey @ Albany-- BEARS 10, Rats 4

The Bears scored 10 goals in their last outing with Albany on Jan. 15 but surrendered three third period goals to the River Rats, the most in a single period this season. Alexandre Giroux recorded a five-point effort in that contest. The Rats are responsible for dealing Hershey its longest losing streak on the road this season--two games at Times Union Center on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. The Dec. 11 loss also marks the last time the Chocolate and White was shut out, courtesy of Justin Peters.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux both carry AHL-leading 14-game scoring streaks into tonight and have combined for a total of 58 points over that span. Giroux and Andrew Gordon each show five points against the River Rats this season (3-2-5), in two games and four games, respectively. With two assists last night, Chris Bourque shows points in his last seven games (5-10-15). Oskar Osala has scored goals in three straight games. Aucoin's seven game-winning goals this season rank him second in the AHL. As a team, the Bears possess far and away the most goals for in the league--197--but by allowing six goals to the Baby Pens last night, they now rank third in the AHL in goals against--108 (behind the Texas Stars, with 105, and the Hamilton Bulldogs, with 108 in 48 games). Hershey averages 4.3 goals per game.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Bears captain Bryan Helmer registered his 500th career point last night and became just the second defenseman in AHL history to achieve this feat (the other was John Slaney). Helmer shows 118 goals and 382 assists for 500 points in 950 career AHL games. Freshman defenseman John Carlson ranks third in assists among rookies and second among all defensemen with 26 and second in rookie plus/minus with +23. Patrick McNeill potted the game winner in last night's 8-6 defeat of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, his fifth goal of the season.

SPECIAL TEAMS
With two power play goals last night, the Chocolate and White now boast a 21.8% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the third best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 90.7% success rate, with 12 shorthanded goals for the Bears. Boyd Kane leads the league in shorthanded goals this season with four, while Steve Pinizzotto sits tied for fourth with three.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In January: 11-1-0-0
On Saturdays: 14-1-0-2
At home: 19-3-0-2

Puck drop between the Bears and River Rats is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. To those coming out tonight: don't forget to help a fellow Bears fan by donating to the Jason Hartle Mobility Fund at the Booster Club table behind Section 117. If you are unable to make the game, John Walton's live broadcast will be available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com, with airtime at 6:40 p.m.

This Date in Bears History

2010-01-30T09:24:00.001-05:00

This morning I again acknowledge a feat of the Bears of yesteryear.

January 30, 1982: The Bears held the visiting Erie Blades without a shot on goal in the third period at Hersheypark Arena, the sole time in Hershey franchise history that the team did not allow its opponent a single shot in an entire period of AHL hockey.

This year's club came dangerously close to holding Toronto shotless through the opening 20 minutes when the Marlies came to Chocolatetown on Dec. 20. The Bears allowed but a single shot on net through the first period, though it was not registered until nearly the 18-minute mark.

Game Preview: Hershey Bears @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

2010-01-29T14:08:00.002-05:00

Hershey visits Wilkes-Barre/Scranton tonight in the seventh game of the 12-game series this season. The Bears enter tonight's game winners in five of six games between the East Division foes. Hershey has won 17 of its past 18 tilts and five straight since a loss to the Norfolk Admirals on Jan. 13. The Chocolate and White have outscored opponents 37-14 in those five games.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton opens a five-game homestand tonight and has posted regulation losses in five of its previous six games. Chris Conner has registered five goals and eight points in his last three games for the Baby Pens, and Luca Caputi has notched four points (1-3-4) in two appearances since his reassignment from Pittsburgh.

TEAM RECORDS

Hershey: 34-9-0-2, 70 points
(1st place in East Division, 1st place in Eastern Conference)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 21-21-1-1, 44 points
(4th place in East Division, 11th place in Eastern Conference )

HOW THE BEARS AND PENS MATCH UP

2009-2010 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 5-1-0-0
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 1-5-0-0

2008-2009 HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Hershey: 3-5-0-2
Wilkes-Bare/Scranton: 7-2-0-1

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hershey: 23-16-2-5
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: 23-18-2-3

THE 2009-2010 SEASON SERIES

Oct. 9: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 0
Oct. 23: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- Bears 4, PENS 6
Nov. 14: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 3, Pens 1
Nov. 29: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 5, Pens 0
Jan. 1: Hershey @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-- BEARS 3, Pens 2
Jan. 16: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton @ Hershey-- BEARS 7, Pens 2

Backstop Michal Neuvirth recorded the most saves by a Bears goaltender this season in Hershey's Nov. 29 win over the Baby Pens with 42. The 5-0 decision was the last shutout win by the Bears this season.

BEARS BY THE NUMBERS

ON THE OFFENSIVE
Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux both carry AHL-leading 13-game scoring streaks into tonight's match-up and have combined for a total of 51 points over that span. Chris Bourque shows points in his last six games, with goals in four straight (5-8-13). Steve Pinizzotto and Boyd Kane rank fourth and fifth in the league at +23 and +22, respectively. Andrew Gordon, who tied his career-best goal total with his 21st in Hershey's last game, sits second in the league in power play goals this season with 11. Aucoin's seven game-winning goals this season rank him second in the AHL. As a team, the Bears possess the most goals for in the league--189--and the fewest goals against--102. Hershey averages 4.2 goals per game.

GOALTENDING
Braden Holtby resumes his spot as the top goaltender in the league, with a record of 15-2-0-1 in 18 games and a GAA of 1.82. Holtby boasts a 93.5% save percentage and shows just 33 goals against. Expected to draw the start in net tonight, Holtby is 3-0 against the Penguins this season and has allowed just four goals.

A STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENSE
Rookie blueliners John Carlson and Zach Miskovic rank in the top five for rookie plus/minus ratings--Carlson in second with +20 and Miskovic at fourth with +15. Carlson also ranks fifth in plus/minus among all defensemen in the league and is 12th in blueline scoring (2-25-27), while Patrick McNeill is 15th (4-21-25). Captain Bryan Helmer ranks fourth in plus/minus with +21.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Chocolate and White boast a 21.3% conversion rate on the man advantage this season, the third best power play in the AHL. The penalty kill has had a league-leading 91.0% success rate, with 11 shorthanded goals.

HERSHEY'S RECORD
In January: 10-1-0-0
On Fridays: 10-5-0-0
On the road: 15-6-0-0

The Bears and Penguins will face off at 7:05 p.m. at the newly named Mohegan Sun Arena, with the broadcast live at 6:45 p.m. John Walton's call of the game is available on WQIC 100.1 FM or at sportsjuice.com.

The Celebration of a Sport and a Culture

2010-01-29T09:17:00.005-05:00

Today marks the start of the third annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by Reebok. The event, which runs today through Sunday, pays homage to the game of hockey at all levels and seeks to expose new audiences to the sport. The event was started in 2008 by USA Hockey.

"There are tremendous things happening in our sport in all parts of the nation," according to Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, "and it's only appropriate that we utilize Hockey Weekend Across America to celebrate those accomplishments."

Each day of this monumental weekend has its own theme:
Friday (Jan. 29) – Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey
Saturday (Jan. 30) – Bring a Friend to the Rink
Sunday (Jan. 31) – Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes

With a veritable assortment of activities throughout the weekend, Hockey Weekend is a time to celebrate our hockey heritage by watching, playing or discussing the game. In honor of the celebration of the sport which commands my undying devotion, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a true hero to modern-day hockey.

One-hundred and thirty-five years ago, James George Alwyn Creighton gave Montreal's Victoria Skating Rink--a ten-thousand square foot, covered ice surface which opened in 1862--the gift of indoor ice hockey and started a social revolution in Canada.

Creighton moved from his native Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Montreal in pursuit of an engineering career during the construction of the Lachine Canal. A talented figure skater, he was regarded as an expert figure-skating judge in Montreal and upon his arrival, he taught his new friends his own version of hockey, imported from his home province. Hockey skates in tow, Creighton ushered in the birth of the modern game and forever changed an entire nation and ultimately, the world.

Through connections at the Victoria Skating Rink and cash bribes, he was able to hold practices inside prior to the March 3, 1875, debut of indoor hockey. Advertising in the March 3rd Montreal Gazette, Creighton wrote,

A game of hockey will be played at the Victoria Skating Rink this evening between two nines chosen from among the members. Good fun may be expected as some of the players are reported to be exceedingly excellent at the game.

To protect the spectators and calm fears of imminent danger associated with "the ball flying about in too lively a manner," Creighton replaced it with "a flat, circular piece of wood, thus preventing all danger of its leaving the ice" as reported in the Gazette.

In addition to this rudimentary puck, Creighton implemented his Haligonian rules to regulate the game, inhibited by the newly limited space (the Victoria Rink was 80 feet wide and 204 feet long). The puck was not allowed to leave the ice, forward passing was forbidden and goalies were required to make saves without falling or kneeling. The 60-minute contest was punctuated by one intermission halfway through the game. Players skated the entire game, with no substitutions allowed, regardless of injury or penalty.

Beneath the glow of gas-lit lamps, Creighton, alongside his 17 friends and "a very large crowd" of 40 onlookers, braved a brisk Montreal night to partake in the genesis of a game and an entire culture. At 8:00 p.m. on March 3, 1875, the world's first indoor hockey game began, with captain Creighton's side emerging victorious in a 2-1 decision. Creighton and the 17 other men, all pioneers in their own right, took to the ice for a performance of what would eventually become theater--a spectacle of triumph and tragedy, heroes and villains and unscripted plot.

And thus, I salute you, Mr. Creighton, for your innovation and valor in cultivating the game which plays so integral a role in my life. We in the hockey community are forever indebted to you and celebrate your memory today, this weekend and forevermore.

(Photo credits: USA Hockey, tmlfever.com)

This Date in Bears History

2010-01-29T06:23:00.000-05:00

A franchise steeped in tradition, Hershey provides a wealth of history. In light of the abundance of Chocolatetown hockey lore at my disposal, this morning I celebrate an achievement of Bears past.

January 29, 1964: The Bears captured the club's 11th consecutive victory in Hersheypark Arena with a 5-4 defeat of the visiting Rochester Americans. The win set the franchise record as Hershey's longest home winning streak, which, of course, has since been obliterated by the 14-game (and counting) mark established by this year's team.

Bryan Helmer's Cup Chronicles

2010-01-28T23:10:00.001-05:00

Bears captain Bryan Helmer brings a substantial amount of leadership to the table in Hershey. With a bounty of experience, the 37-year-old veteran has seen eight AHL cities over the course of his 17-year career. He has captured two Calder Cups in his tenure, the first of which coming in just his second year as a pro. Helmer waited 14 years for his second Cup—Hershey’s championship last season—and experienced a considerably different playoff run. With the convincing play of the Chocolate and White thus far this season, it seems the defenseman may not have to wait much longer for a third title.

Helmer won his first Calder Cup with the Albany River Rats in the 1994-95 season, when he was 22 years old. By comparison, his initial championship came much easier than the second.

The Rats earned a bye in the first round and swept two of three series to clinch the Cup in 14 games (with a postseason record of 12-2). The Bears’ record-breaking 10th title was earned in 22 games, including a taxing seven-game series with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Helmer played much more of a supporting role in the 1995 postseason than that of last year, skating in seven games for Albany. As Hershey’s captain, he played in every playoff contest for the Bears and considers the 2009 Calder Cup more special.

“In ’95 I didn’t play in all of the games in the finals; in this last one obviously I played in all of the games, and I was the first one to lift up the Cup when we won it,” he said.

Another major difference between the two championships is the off-ice evolution of Helmer in those 14 years. At age 22, he was dating his wife-to-be, Pam, who missed the victory because she was in school at the time. Now married, he was able to share the 2009 Cup with not only his wife, but also his two children.

“Having them [my family] in Winnipeg when I won was a thrill for me. The kids came on the ice with my wife, so they were part of the whole thing.”

Helmer’s most recent championship also afforded him another new opportunity.

“I got to bring the Cup back to my hometown, where I live in the summer, and share it with family and friends there. I didn’t get to do that in ’95,” the Sault Ste. Marie native said.

Last year’s Cup humbled Helmer, who now better appreciates a championship. He bestowed this wisdom upon the rest of the Bears last season.

“That’s a long time. Something I said to the guys last year at the start of the playoffs was ‘I won it my second year pro, and you think you’re going to go back every year. Next thing you know it’s 14 years later.’ It doesn’t come around a lot of the time, so when you get a chance to win it, you do whatever you can to win it.”

However, as of late, Hershey fans have undoubtedly come to expect a lengthy run come springtime. For three of the previous four seasons, the Bears have appeared in the Calder Cup Finals, two of which resulted in championships. With arguably the franchise’s best-ever team on the ice this season, the Giant Center faithful already anticipate no less than an 11th Cup this June.

With such a commanding presence through the first half of the season, the Bears have to avoid complacency in their domination of the rest of the league, a lesson Helmer learned the season following his Cup win with Albany.

“The ’95-96 season there we were doing the same thing that we [the Bears] are now. We were beating up all the teams in the league, and then we went into the playoffs and thought it was going to be an easy ride. Next thing you know, we were out in the first round,” he recalled.

He offers this experience as a caveat to this Hershey team, intent on defending last year’s Calder Cup.

“The second half of the season is just as important as the first; sometimes it’s even more important. You get into the end of February and March when it kind of drags on. It’s all about mental then. We need to stay focused and do what we’ve been doing—taking one game at a time.”

One game at a time, the boys of Chocolatetown are eclipsing a myriad of team records, a testament to the mindset of the players.

“It just shows you how much guys want to win here,” Helmer said. “And a big credit to the fans: they come out and support us.”

A sellout crowd (or five) never hurts the cause.

(Photo credit: capsinpictures.com)

Braden Holtby Returns

2010-01-28T15:11:00.001-05:00

Braden Holtby has been reassigned to the Bears. Goaltending crisis averted. Here is the official press release, courtesy of Washington:

Capitals Assign Braden Holtby to Hershey

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have assigned goaltender Braden Holtby to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Holtby, 20, is a first-year pro who stands 6’1”, 209 pounds. He has split this season with Hershey and the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) while making appearances as a backup for the Capitals against Anaheim last night and Oct. 17 vs. Nashville.

Holtby has posted a 15-2-1 record with Hershey and leads the AHL with a 1.82 goals-against average. His .935 save percentage ranks fourth in the league and he has won four straight games for the Bears. In South Carolina Holtby posted a 7-2-1-2 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage, earning a spot in the ECHL All-Star Game.

The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, native was the Capitals’ fourth-round choice, 93rd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux Reflect on All-East Division Weekend Ahead

2010-01-27T22:57:00.000-05:00

Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux comprise two-thirds of Hershey’s most offensively productive line and sit atop the league in scoring with 61 points and 55 points, respectively. The prolific duo share similar careers—each with nearly a decade in the AHL—punctuated by part-time NHL stints.

With the East Division action looming this weekend, Aucoin and Giroux took time to reflect on former teams, the upcoming three-in-three and the Bears’ whirlwind season.

The Binghamton Senators come to Giant Center Sunday night for their third of four visits this season. Giroux spent two years in the Senators organization early in his career. However, unbeknownst to many in Bears Nation, Aucoin also has ties to Binghamton. Prior to the inception of the Sens franchise, a young Aucoin got his start with the UHL’s Broome County Icemen.

“I played my first years there [Binghamton], so it was a learning place for playing in the pro game,” Aucoin said.

“It was a learning experience for me, and I developed my game and became a better player. I figured out what I had to do to get to the next level.”

Giroux largely credits Binghamton for his development, as well.

“Every time I play against them I think about it. It’s always fun to play against them and play your best and show them that they should’ve kept you. I played in Hartford, too, so every time we play them or Binghamton I always feel that I have to prove myself,” he said.

Despite a 15-point cushion, both Giroux and Aucoin are intent on adding some distance between the Bears and the rest of the division this weekend. With Friday’s trip to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and home games against Albany and Binghamton on Saturday and Sunday, this weekend offers plenty of opportunity.

According to Aucoin, “It’s big. Anytime you play division rivals, I think it’s huge separating yourselves from the rest of the division, especially with a team coming to get us even more now than at the beginning of the year. We have to be ready for every game.”

For Giroux this weekend will be tough. “We’re on a roll right now,” he said.

“We need these points really badly, and they do too. It’s going to be tough games, and we need to be ready for the challenge.”

Pacing the entire league with 70 points in 45 games, the Bears have already broken a number of franchise records this season: longest winning streak (12 games, from Dec. 12 to Jan. 13), longest home winning streak (14 games and counting, from Nov. 29 to present), largest regular-season crowd (10,844 vs. Manitoba Jan. 23) and most shots on goal in a single period (27 shots, Oct. 17). However, Aucoin cautioned about the toll record chasing can take on the team.

“If you’re going to break records it’s really good to get it out of the way as early as possible so you’re not worried about it, like anywhere during that stretch of breaking 11 games. It kind of wears on you because everyone is talking about it.”

Shattered records aside, everyone is talking about this team. On pace to become the best-ever team in Hershey’s 72-year history, it would appear that the Bears are already in contention for an 11th AHL title. With Calder Cup number 10 in the rear view mirror and much of the 2009 championship team still intact, the boys in the Chocolate and White look poised to defend the Cup.

“It’s really tough [to defend the Cup],” Giroux said.

“Last year was a long season. You go home in June, and you don’t have as much time to get ready for the season. Then you come back and do it all over again.”

Looking to continue the club’s domination through the second half of the season, Aucoin said, “I think it’s fun. It’s my first time being a defending champion. We have a pretty good team this year; we could even be a little bit better than we were last year the way we’re playing. I think the young guys got a lot better than they were last year. I didn’t realize how much further they had to get—how much stronger and faster.

“Every team comes at you hard and wants to beat the defending champion.”

Braden Holtby Recalled, Video Interview with Jason Bacashihua

2010-01-27T13:44:00.001-05:00

As Jose Theodore sustained an injury inhibiting him from finishing the game for Washington last night, the Caps summoned 20-year-old goaltending phenom Braden Holtby this morning. In the wake of Holtby's recall, Jason Bacashihua is poised to step up as the Bears' top backstop. Bacashihua offers his reaction to the call-up, his new-found role as number one netminder and the weekend of impending East Division action ahead.

New Media Comes to Chocolatetown

2010-01-27T13:22:00.001-05:00

Bear witness to the birth of a new hockey blog. Call it a tribute to the innovators of the Capitals' blogosphere in Washington. Call it going green. (No, not Mike Green. Eco-friendly.) Regardless, in venturing forth with this endeavor, I seek to expand coverage of the hometown Hershey Bears franchise, its parent club and the game of hockey. Flanked by the Penguins and Flyers faithful on either side of the state, I present a haven for those who do not bleed black and gold or black and orange. I hope to offer a veritable hockey news outlet not to replace the local media's preexisting coverage, but rather to supplement it.

Thus, I give you Thoughts on Goal. Welcome and enjoy.