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AHL Hershey Bears

Bears Boast Best Point Total in AHL as Week Begins

November 17, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


Last Week: The BEARS improved to 9-3-2-2 after a pair of wins at Norfolk against the Admirals. Thursday night, Tom Lawson was named the game's number one star as HERSHEY edged Norfolk 2-1. Charlie Stephens scored the game-winning goal in the second period, while Steve Brule notched his fifth goal of the season in the game's first minute to account for the scoring. Saturday night saw HERSHEY cruise to a 6-3 victory over Norfolk at the Scope. Peter Budaj won in net Saturday night for his fifth win of the season. The BEARS got two goal games from both Steve Moore and Shane Willis to pace the six-goal attack. Mikhail Kuleshov and Marc Busenburg also scored goals in the winning effort.

Notables: With the victory Saturday night in Norfolk, HERSHEY now sports the best road record in the American Hockey League at 6-1-1-0. The BEARS enter play this week unbeaten in three straight games. Saturday's game also marked the first time since Norfolk came into the AHL that the BEARS have won back to back regular season games at the Norfolk Scope. The goal for Busenburg Saturday night was his first of the season. He notched five goals and 11 points in 44 games last season for the Chocolate and White. HERSHEY begins the week in a first place tie with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the East Division. The Sound Tigers are 8-0-1 in their last nine games, and like the BEARS have nine wins in 16 games. Bridgeport, Hartford and HERSHEY all lead the AHL in points with 22. The BEARS won Thursday night despite a season-low 15 shots on goal in a 2-1 victory. The game with Lowell on Saturday will be the first time the Lock Monsters and BEARS have met since March 23, 2001. HERSHEY and Lowell have met five times, with the BEARS winning twice and losing in regulation twice. With two goals Saturday night, Steve Moore now has four goals in just nine games this season. Shane Willis leads the team in goals with seven.

Colorado Update: The Avalanche begin with week with a 10-5-1-1- record, good for 22 points and second place in the NHL's Northwest Division. Colorado has lost 76 man-games to injury already this season, and Paul Kariya is out indefinitely after re-injuring his wrist Saturday night against Dallas. David Aebischer shut out the Stars Saturday, making 29 saves. The Avalanche are in the midst of a five game homestand that will conclude next Monday. Colorado hosts Anaheim tomorrow night at Pepsi Center before hosting the New York Rangers on Thursday. The Avs will also play at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Tampa Bay Update: The Lightning continue to lead the Southeast Division with a sparkling 9-2-2-1 mark. Tampa leads the Atlanta Thrashers by just one point in the Southeast, but the Bolts have a whopping five games in hand on Bob Hartley's club. The Lightning won at Washington on Friday 5-2 for the club's ninth win of the season. John Tortorella's club plays at home this week on two different occasions. Thursday, the Bolts will host the New York Islanders at the St. Pete Times Forum, while the Buffalo Sabres come to call in Tampa Saturday night. The Lightning have played just 14 games so far this season, the fewest in the National Hockey League.

Upcoming promotions: Sunday November 22nd is Members 1st FCU Rally Towel night. A free rally towel to the first 3,000 fans when the Lowell Lock Monsters make their only GIANT Center appearance of the season at 7:00 p.m. This season's Canteen/Stroehmann Turkey Shoot will be held on Wednesday, November 26 when the Albany River Rats come to GIANT Center for a 7:30 game. All fans will have the opportunity to come down on the ice following the game and take a shot for a chance to win a free Thanksgiving Turkey. Saturday November 29th is Boyd's Bears night at GIANT Center when the BEARS face-off with the Norfolk Admirals at 7:00 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Boyd's Bear, a $20 value. Sunday November 30th is Throwback night, with the BEARS wearing jerseys from the 1958-59 season that will be auctioned off after the game with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 5:00 p.m.

Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):

Monday, November 17:

Off ice conditioning at GIANT Center 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 18:

Practice 10:00 a.m. GIANT Center-Bus to Albany after practice

Wednesday, November 19:

Practice 11:15 a.m. in Albany, Game vs. River Rats 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, November 20:

TBA

Friday, November 21:

Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m. GIANT Center, Game at WB/Scr 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, November 22:

Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m. Game vs. Lowell 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 23:

Off day

The week ahead:

Wednesday, November 19:

BEARS at Albany River Rats 7:00 PM

Game #17, Road Game #9

Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 6:40 PM

Friday, November 21:

BEARS at WB/Scranton Penguins 7:05 PM

Game #18, Road Game #10

Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 7:10 PM

Saturday, November 22:

Lowell Lock Monsters at BEARS 7:00 PM

Game #19, Home Game #9

Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 6:40 PM

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