AHL Hershey Bears

Bears Host Springfield, Philly this Week at GIANT Center

Published on January 19, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


Last Week: The BEARS played four games in five days beginning last Wednesday with a 2-1 overtime in at Norfolk against the Admirals. HERSHEY trailed 1-0 late in the game when Pascal Trepanier tied it at the 18:37 mark of the third period. Eric Perrin then won it by scoring on a Shane Willis rebound chance just 25 seconds into overtime to earn the two points. After losing at Philadelphia Friday night 4-0 to the Phantoms, the BEARS rebounded to defeat the first place Bridgeport Sound Tigers 4-2 Saturday night at GIANT Center. Shane Willis scored two third period goals while Pascal Trepanier and Sheldon Keefe added single goals to fuel the victory. Peter Budaj won his second game of the week by making 24 saves. It was Budaj's 13th victory of the season. HERSHEY completed the four game stretch by falling to the Cleveland Barons at home Sunday night 3-1. Shane Willis scored the only goal of the game for the BEARS. The Barons outshot the BEARS 45-36 in the game. Tom Lawson made 42 saves and absorbed the loss when Grant Stevenson scored the game-winning goal for Cleveland in the third period.

Notables: The loss to Cleveland was the first time in eight games dating back to the 2001-02 season that the BEARS lost to the Barons. HERSHEY won at Cleveland on December 19th 2-1 in overtime. Of Sheldon Keefe's 10 goals this season, nine of the ten have come at GIANT Center. Steve Brule stands one point short of 500 in his career entering play this week. Shane Willis is HERSHEY'S nominee for Sher-Wood AHL player of the week honors. Willis, who was assigned to the BEARS on Wednesday from Tampa Bay, scored three goals and assisted on two others in four games last week. He also scored HERSHEY'S first short-handed goal since November 13th with the game winner Saturday night against Bridgeport. At 47 games played to start the week, the BEARS have played more games than any other American Hockey League team. This Sunday represents the first time since November 23rd that Paul Fixter's club will enjoy a weekend day off. After playing games eight Sundays in a row, the BEARS will now be off four of the next five Sundays including the All Star Break February 8th and 9th.

Colorado Update: The Avalanche wrapped up a three game homestand Saturday night by falling to the San Jose Sharks 2-1 at Pepsi Center. Former BEARS defenseman John-Michael Liles scored the only goal of the night for Colorado as David Aebischer took the loss in goal. The Avs are tied for first place in the Northwest Division as the week begins. Both Colorado and Vancouver have 59 points to share the penthouse suite. The Avalanche begin a four game road trip tonight against HERSHEY'S other affiliate, the Tampa Bay Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum. Colorado will also play at Florida against the Panthers on Wednesday, at Atlanta against Bob Hartley's Thrashers Thursday night before traveling to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins on Saturday. Beginning tonight, Tony Granato's team will play six of its next seven games away from Pepsi Center.

Tampa Bay Update: The Lightning are the Southeast Division leaders as the week begins. Tampa has 49 points, three better than the Atlanta Thrashers. The Bolts lost on Saturday night at Florida against the Panthers 2-1. After a home game with Colorado tonight, Tampa embarks on a four game road trip. The Lightning will play at Vancouver against the Canucks Wednesday before traveling to Edmonton for a date with the Oilers Friday night. The trip continues with a game in Calgary against the Flames on Saturday evening.

Upcoming promotions: The second and final HERSHEYPARK pass night comes up on Wednesday, January 21st when HERSHEY hosts the Springfield Falcons at 7:30 p.m. All fans will receive a complimentary pass to HERSHEYPARK for the 2004 season, good through July 4, 2004. PA Lottery night is coming up at GIANT Center on Saturday, January 24 when the Philadelphia Phantoms provide the opposition at 7:00 p.m. The first 2,100 fans 18 and older will receive a free scratch and win ticket. The BEARS will host the Portland Pirates on Saturday, February 14 for 93.5 WTPA/Boyd's Bears night. The first 3,000 fans will receive a free Boyd's Bear, a $20 value.

Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):

Monday, January 19: Off day

Tuesday, January 20: Practice at GIANT Center 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, January 21: Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m., Game vs. Springfield 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 22: Practice at GIANT Center 10:00 a.m.

Friday, January 23: Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m., Game at Wilkes-Barre 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, January 24: Home game vs. Philadelphia 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 25: Off day

The week ahead: Wednesday, January 21: Springfield Falcons at BEARS 7:30 PM Game #48, Home Game #24 Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 7:10 PM Friday, January 23: BEARS at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 7:05 PM Game #49, Road Game #25 Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 6:45 PM

Saturday, January 24: Philadelphia Phantoms at BEARS 7:00 PM Game #50, Home Game #25 Radio: BIG 92.7 FM PRE-GAME 6:40 PM Television: ABC-27 AIR TIME 7:00 PM

Check out the Hershey Bears Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central