AHL Hershey Bears

Avalanche trade for Chris Bala, assign him to Hershey

March 9, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


HERSHEY – The HERSHEY BEARS announced today in conjunction with the Colorado Avalanche that the NHL club has acquired left wing Chris Bala from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for left wing Jordan Krestanovich. Bala was assigned to HERSHEY in a related transaction.

Bala, who grew up in Phoenixville and owns a home in Pottstown, scored 21 goals in 70 games during the 2001-02 season for Grand Rapids (AHL). As a youth hockey player, he played many times growing up at HERSHEYPARK Arena. He was originally a second round draft pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 11 goals in 61 games this season for Houston (AHL). He is expected to be available when the BEARS host the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday night.

"I'm thrilled to be coming home, it's a homecoming in a lot of ways To be a part of a team poised to make a run at the Calder Cup is something I look forward to," said Bala.

The acquisition of Bala follows a busy transaction day for HERSHEY. Goaltender Phil Sauve and left wing Travis Brigley were both assigned earlier in the day on Tuesday.

Krestanovich scored four goals and totaled 19 points in 38 games this season for the BEARS.

HERSHEY plays at home both Saturday and Sunday when the Norfolk Admirals and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins visit GIANT Center. Face-off on Saturday is at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday's game slated for 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the GIANT Center box office for both games. Tickets are also available by phone at (717) 534-3911.

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