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AHL Hershey Bears

Bears mourn the loss of Mr. Hershey Bears Hockey, Frank Mathers

February 10, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


HERSHEY – The HERSHEY BEARS are saddened today by the loss of former President, General Manager, Coach and Player Frank Mathers, who passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 80. Frank played in the 1949 NHL All-Star game as a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was also a five-time AHL first team All-Star while skating with the Pittsburgh Hornets. It was in Hershey, however, where he would make his presence felt the most. He arrived in central Pennsylvania as a player-coach in time for the 1956-57 season and changed the fortunes of the franchise. After back-to-back fifth place finishes, the BEARS made the playoffs in 1956-57 and won back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 1957-58 and 1958-59. In all, Frank coached the BEARS for 17 years, winning an additional Calder Cup behind the bench in 1968-69. He became the team's President/General Manager in 1973 and won three more AHL Championships in 1974, 1980 and 1988. The 1988 club is widely regarded as the best AHL team of all-time, winning 50 games during the regular season and achieving playoff perfection by posting a 12-0 record during the 1988 Calder Cup playoffs.

Frank received many awards and accolades during his 35-year tenure with the AHL's most senior franchise. In addition to having a hand in six Calder Cup championships, he was named the 1968-69 Louis A.R. Pieri award winner for being named the AHL's coach of the year. He was also named the 1976-77 winner of the James C. Hendy Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding executive of the year. In 1987, Frank was named the Lester Patrick award winner for outstanding service to hockey in the United States, and finally was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in 1992. "Frank is and always will be Mr. Hershey Bears Hockey. His character, dignity and class stand alone. Frank epitomized the very best in hockey and life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pat and his family", said Doug Yingst, President/GM of the HERSHEY BEARS. A private family memorial service will be held on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank's name to Hospice of central Pennsylvania, located at 1701 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg.

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