The American Hockey League named its rosters for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic on Wednesday afternoon. The event, taking place in San Jose on February 4-5, features some of the top talent in hockey. Although the rosters are a bit smaller due to the squads being split by division, the first-place Hershey Bears are represented well this year. Goaltender Clay Stevenson, forward Ethen Frank, captain Dylan McIlrath, and head coach Todd Nelson will represent the Atlantic Division. The Bears will also send support staff in head athletic trainer Shawn Fliszar and assistant equipment manager Dillon Filepas.
These Bears Are Best
It’s a quality list of representation for the Chocolate and White in this year’s event. Frank and Nelson represented the Bears in 2023, with the former taking the Fastest Skater Competition in record time. Three of the 12 total skaters for the Atlantic Division hail from the Sweetest Place on Earth this year. It’s a nice reflection of what’s been an incredible first half for the Bears this season.
Nelson goes back to the All-Star Game due to his team’s great performance, as the coaches are selected by placement in their division. Hershey’s team effort locked down his spot first, his fourth time participating in such an event. Nelson preferred to praise the organization from top to bottom on the nod.
“It shows how great of a coach he is,” Bears Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan Helmer said. “The guys were so excited, they wanted to get him there. Before the Christmas break, it was motivation for the guys. They wanted to get it done for Nelly, and they did. It’s very special.”
“It’s nice,” Nelson said. “I’m representing the team on behalf of the players and staff. It’s not a one man show by any means, everybody’s contributed for me to be in this spot. It’s an honor to represent the Hershey Bears. I’ve been very fortunate to be in this position four times. It’s indicative of all the good people and hardworking people around me who make me look good.”
Big Mac’s Big Day
McIlrath earned a nice nod as one of the playing captains in this year’s event. The honor is selected by the AHL’s president, Scott Howson, as a reflection of their outstanding leadership and service. It’s his first appearance in the event in his career after leading the Bears to the Calder Cup over the summer. He’s the first playing captain from the Bears since Matt Moulson held the honor in 2020.
“It was so great to get the call from Scott Howson,” Helmer said. “What Dylan has done in his career in the AHL is pretty special. Winning a championship in Grand Rapids, then winning the one last year. He’s a professional in how he handles himself and it’s great to see him get rewarded.”
McIlrath’s contributions go across the board for the Bears. Thunderous hits, monster penalty kills, and even some big goals from the back end, it’s just another day in the office for him. It’s easy to notice a difference in the games he’s missed due to either recall or injury. His presence and the reaction from his teammates when it was announced to the group says volumes about his importance to the team.
Mud Room
It’s easy to see why Stevenson is the selection for this year’s event. Hershey’s rookie sensation sits atop the AHL with a 1.79 goals against average and a 0.934 save percentage. His 18 games played only tell part of the story as he’s played five separate sets of back-to-back games out of necessity. It’s been a key element of Hershey’s success, and just his latest achievement after being named the league’s Goaltender of the Month Award in December.
“Stevenson’s had great numbers,” Helmer said. “You could go down the list, there’s a lot of guys they could have picked. It’s kudos to these guys who are doing an incredible job. We have so much depth, guys fill right in and don’t miss a beat. It’s major reason why we are where we are right now.”
The Bears would not be where they are without a stellar netminder like Stevenson. The team has been without the reigning Calder Cup MVP Hunter Shepard to recall at times. It’s left a void for Stevenson to shine in, with his big frame and incredible flexibility creating some big-time highlights. He’s already matched the team’s franchise record for shutouts by a rookie with five in just the team’s first half. He was quickly signed to an extension earlier this season.
As Fast As Frank
Ethen Frank is familiar with the All-Star Game, appearing in his first such event last season. He blazed through the Fastest Skater Competition with a time of 12.915 seconds around the rink. It’s hardly a surprise to see him back to defend his title, and he’s earned the right. Frank has 14 goals and 14 assists in 36 games played, good for second on the team in scoring. It’s a pace to at least match his rookie season if not eclipse that total.
“Ethen Frank, he’s right up there too,” Helmer said. “He had an unbelievable All-Star Game last year in the Fastest Skater Competition. He’s been so huge for our group.”
It’s hard to imagine the Bears where they are without Frank. He’s been an essential part of the power play and has added playmaking to his repertoire. It’s a nice reward for a strong season, which includes another hat trick. If there was any question left if he’s built for this league and more, this season has answered it as a resounding yes.
Chocolate and White Stars
The way the Bears have played this season, they could have their own All-Star team. It’s nice to see their effort get rewarded, and there are plenty of snubs. Mike Sgarbossa, the team’s point leader, is notably absent as is the team’s goal scoring leader, Pierrick Dubé. Other players, like Joe Snively and Alex Limoges, warrant consideration as does Chase Priskie on the back end.
“There’s going to be some guys who don’t get picked and deserve to be,” Helmer said. “It’s unfortunate that’s the way the setup is in the All-Star Game with the format, less guys get picked. These guys are doing an incredible job and we’re excited for them.”
As Nelson mentioned, it takes a village to get so many players to represent the Bears on a big stage. It’s fitting the team will be sending some of the support staff in Fliszar and Filepas along with them. The two log many long hours doing a myriad of tasks, and likewise deserve to be honored on a big stage. It’s truly a reflection of how special the group in Hershey is, and the Bears will be well-represented as a result.
