The Hershey Bears added six players on AHL contracts on Thursday to bolster their depth. Unlike their previous signings, these players are most likely going to play for their ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays. Most players are new additions to the team, but one is a known quantity: Austin Magera, who played in South Carolina last year. After tearing up the ECHL, he’s on Hershey’s radar and should be a great candidate to push for time in the AHL.
Magera’s Memorable Year
Magera played his first full season in the ECHL in 2023-24 under contract with the Stingrays. He had an 18-game stint at the end of the previous campaign upon the conclusion of his time in college. Magera played five seasons for Sacred Heart University prior to turning pro and was not drafted.
In his first full season, Magera lit up the ECHL. He tallied 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) in 70 games in the regular season, not only leading the Stingrays but finishing ninth overall in the league. Although the Stingrays missed out on the postseason by the narrowest of margins, Magera was a revelation for the team. He was named the ECHL’s Rookie of the Year as well as named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and All-ECHL Second Team.
“We had an unreal team,” Magera said at the end of the season. “Really close, tight knit group. I couldn’t have wished for a better place to play in my first pro year. Every single day, I had a smile on my face seeing the boys. It was an unreal first year.”
Promotion Opportunity
It culminated in Magera signing an AHL contract with the Bears as a clear promotion. He was the only player with previous experience in the organization signed that day. Although Magera has not appeared in AHL play, his eye-popping numbers make him an early favorite to push for time. Depth is a key area of need for AHL teams to address each summer, and signing Magera is a strong addition.
It’ll be tough to earn time in Hershey. The Bears have made plenty of signings and their lineup is mostly set. That list includes a number of Washington prospects and depth role players. Hershey recently added Washington prospect Brett Hyland to an AHL contract with an impressive story of his own. It’ll be an uphill battle at training for Magera, who will certainly get time in preseason play.
Organizational Excellence
Hershey’s depth has been key towards winning the Calder Cup. Defenseman Nicky Leivermann stepped into the team’s lineup after spending the year in South Charleston. He is another player in line for more time in Hershey this fall after re-signing with the Bears. Most teams would be crippled with three top blue liners out injured, but Hershey’s strong depth saved their playoff run.
It’s an example of how running with an opportunity can lead to more AHL time. The pipeline from South Carolina to Hershey has been a strong one in recent years. Players like Mason Morelli, Eddie Wittchow, Jon McDonald, and Steve Whitney have graduated to time with Hershey. Not to mention the excellence in goal with Hunter Shepard, Clay Stevenson, and Mitch Gibson all spending seasons there.
Training Camp Battle
It all adds up to Magera showcasing his abilities at training camp in Hershey. Much like AHL players auditioning for NHL time, ECHL players will battle for AHL time before the season starts. Magera is an early contender to push for time in Hershey. It’ll be a challenge to make room for him, and it might not happen right away. Like Leivermann, he’ll have to wait his turn, but it will come at some point.
His story could be the latest success story in Hershey and contribute towards another strong season for the Bears. It starts in the summer and, if all goes well, will end the following summer.
