The Hershey Bears zipped around the ice at practice on Wednesday, going through the early challenges that come with a new squad. The Chocolate and White prepare to face a tall task in taking a trip to Providence to take on the pesky Bruins and exorcise some demons along the way. It’ll be Hershey’s first set of three games in as many days as the Bears play within the Atlantic Division for the first time this season. Bears forward Ethen Frank was named the team’s Player of the Week for his outstanding weekend.
Puppies and Politics
But first, the Bears wrapped up a busy week of practice with some important dog content that includes a pup in the Cup. Hershey’s annual day with the United Disabilities Services Foundation saw a day full of dogs as the Bears spent time on the ice after practice with service dogs in training. The dogs, who are often a fixture on the concourse during home games, spent time with the players and got into plenty of shenanigans at Giant Center.
The Bears spent time at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Tuesday, with the team recognized in both the House and Senate Chambers for capturing the Calder Cup. Representatives from the Bears had the trophy on-hand for a photo opportunity early in the day, with the team arriving after practice had concluded. It’s one more moment of recognition on a state-wide basis for the team in recognition of their accomplishment.
“That was my first time doing something like that,” Bears head coach Todd Nelson said via HersheyBears.com. “I’ve had maybe mayors talk with the team and give them the key to the city, but that was different for me. I think the players, it’s something that they haven’t seen probably, just to see how it works in the House and Senate and all that stuff and talking to the senators…they were really gracious towards us and very complimentary. One senator walked by, and said ‘Great job last season, you made us proud,’ so I think the guys felt proud about that moment, but also just going through the process of seeing what the [politicians] do in those situations.”
Let’s Get Down to Business
The Bears know what they’re in for with a road trip to the upper Atlantic Division opponents. Hershey did not win a game on the road against Providence in three tries a season ago, and the building has been a challenge for some time. Hershey hasn’t taken a win at Amica Mutual Pavilion since January 25, 2020, a span of seven games in total. It’s been a tough building for the Bears, who didn’t have to play the Bruins in the postseason after the Hartford Wolf Pack stunned them in the first round.
One bit of good news for Hershey is the return of goaltender Hunter Shepard, who missed opening weekend due to illness. If he’s able to play, his return is sorely appreciated after the recall of Clay Stevenson to the Washington Capitals. Their regular backup, former Springfield starter Charlie Lindgren, was listed as day-to-day and won’t travel with the Caps through a Canadian road swing over the next week.
“We’re shooting for Friday with him,” Nelson said to the Bears’ website. “He says he feels good out there.”
Hershey will have to tap into its goaltending depth this weekend, with the team taking Mitch Gibson as the next man up in the crease. Shepard practiced, and the Bears swapped Garin Bjorklund with Gibson which appears to be a sign of the Calder Cup MVP’s health improving.
Three’s a Crowd
It’s Hershey’s first set of three games in as many nights, with only four such sets on the calendar in 2023-24. The scheduling quirk that is unique to the AHL is quickly becoming a relic of the past, with this weekend’s slate the only set of three straight road games. It’ll be a test of Hershey’s depth as the Bears boast a number of players who did not get to dress over opening weekend. Long weekends are a chance to get looks at other players.
Two of those players who would be making their AHL debuts are Ryan Hofer and Alexander Suzdalev, two prominent players in the preseason. The duo sat in the stands over opening weekend but figure to get into action this weekend. With fast turnaround including an afternoon duel with the Bridgeport Islanders, they’ll be relied on to find their sea legs quickly to earn more playing time. Other players include Julian Napravnik, Matt Strome, and Garrett Roe up front and Nicky Leivermann, Colin Swoyer, and Jake Massie on the blue line.
“I’m looking at [Hofer] to play this weekend. I want him to get in,” Nelson told the Bears’ website. “It’s just a tough situation when you have this many bodies and you can only dress 18 skaters. I’ve gotta get Garrett Roe some action, you name it, [Strome], [Napravnik]…We’re trying to find ice time for everybody, but right now, everybody’s healthy, both us and Washington.”
