Sports stats



AHL Hershey Bears

Bears Off to Best Start Since 1982, Three Games this Weekend

October 21, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


Last Week: The BEARS played four games last week, winning all four to run the team's current unbeaten streak to five. On Wednesday, HERSHEY rallied from three goals down in the third period to defeat the St. John's Maple Leafs 5-4 at Mile One Stadium. Steve Brule scored the game-winning goal with exactly two minutes remaining in regulation. Thursday, the BEARS earned a 1-0 shutout victory over the Maple Leafs in St. John's. Goaltender Peter Budaj earned his first shutout of the season in the game, making 35 saves. Saturday, the BEARS opened up the home portion of the 2003-04 season with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Steve Moore earned his first game-winning goal of the season, while Peter Budaj won his third consecutive game. Sunday found the BEARS in Manchester, New Hampshire for an afternoon game with the Monarchs, and despite the rough travel schedule, HERSHEY prevailed with a 5-3 win at Verizon Wireless Arena. Brad Larsen had three assists in the game, while Eric Perrin scored two goals to lead the way for Paul Fixter's team.

Notables: The shutout for Budaj was the third of his career. He earned two last year in 28 appearances. Brad Larsen carries a four-game point streak into Friday's game in Binghamton after his three-assist performance in Manchester Sunday. HERSHEY has outscored its opposition 9-2 in the third period this season. Eric Perrin has an active three-game point streak after his two-goal outburst Sunday at Verizon Wireless Arena. Tom Lawson earned his first AHL victory on Sunday against Manchester. Lawson was signed as a free agent by the Colorado Avalanche this past summer. HERSHEY is 1-0-1 this season when trailing after two periods. The 4-0-1-0 start by the BEARS is the best start by a HERSHEY squad since the 1982-83 team went 6-0-0-0 to begin the season.

Colorado Update: Colorado lost to Edmonton Saturday night 6-3 at Skyreach Centre in Edmonton. The Avalanche watched their record drop to 2-2-0-0. Former HERSHEY backstop Phil Sauve made his NHL debut in the game and took the loss. The Avalanche play four games this week, beginning tomorrow night with the Boston Bruins at Pepsi Center in Denver. Colorado will then host Edmonton Thursday before traveling to Nashville for a game on Saturday. The Avs then close out a four-game week with a home game next Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Tampa Bay Update: The Lightning beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils Saturday night 3-2 in a game at the Meadowlands. The Bolts are 3-0-0-0 entering play this week, and will host the Atlanta Thrashers tomorrow night at the St. Pete Times Forum. Tampa will also play Thursday night at Columbus, and back at home Saturday night against the Minnesota Wild.

Upcoming promotions: Saturday, October 25 is PNC Bank Magnetic Schedule night at GIANT Center when the BEARS take on the Rochester Americans at 7:00 p.m. The first 8,000 fans will receive of 2003-04 HERSHEY BEARS magnetic schedule courtesy of PNC Bank. October 25th is also Hawaiian night, with special prizes for the best Luau attire. Sunday, October 26 is HERSHEY FOODS Trick-or-Treat night at GIANT Center. All kids 12 and under will receive Halloween candy as they come through the gates.

Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):

Monday, October 20:

Off day

Tuesday, October 21:

Off day

Wednesday, October 22:

Practice-10:00 a.m. GIANT Center

Thursday, October 23:

Practice-10:00 a.m. GIANT Center

Friday, October 24:

Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m. Game at Binghamton 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 25:

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

Sunday, October 26:

Home game vs. Norfolk 5:00 p.m.

Check out the Hershey Bears Statistics

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2003


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