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AHL Hershey Bears

Bears Open 2003 Training Camp

September 29, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


Last Week: The BEARS began camp this morning with 35 players under new head coach Paul Fixter. Last week, HERSHEY received the following players from Colorado's training camp: left wings Travis Brigley and Jordan Krestanovich, goalie Tom Lawson, center Steve Moore, defensemen Agris Saviels and Mikko Viitanen, as well as left wing Mikhail Kuleshov, defenseman Tim Wedderburn, center Bruce Richardson, and defensemen Brett Clark, Jeff Finger and Mark Jerant. Tampa Bay sent the following players to the BEARS last week: left wing Jean-Francois Soucy, center Eric Perrin, defenseman Gerard Dicaire, goaltender Brian Eklund, and center Ryan Craig. Also last week, the BEARS received right wing Gavin Morgan from the Utah Grizzlies in exchange for defenseman Tim Wedderburn. The Colorado Avalanche remain HERSHEY'S primary affiliate for the 2003-04 season. Tampa Bay enters its first season as HERSHEY'S secondary affiliate.

Notables: This is the 66th season in the American Hockey League for the BEARS. Training camp opened this morning with off-ice conditioning and on-ice workouts.

The team's first full scrimmage was held this morning at HERSHEYPARK Arena. Highlights included a hat trick from left wing Mikhail Kuleshov, a goal from newcomer Gavin Morgan, and a sharp performance by winning goaltender Peter Budaj. The scrimmage game was officiated this morning by NHL referee and Hummelstown native Paul Devorski. All players on today's training camp roster were in attendance, with the exception of defenseman Brett Clark. The 2003-04 HERSHEY BEARS Media Guide will be available this week. The 256 page guide and record book will be available on the concourse this Thursday for the Philadelphia Flyers/New York Islanders exhibition game, as well as both BEARS exhibition games this weekend at GIANT Center. The book will sell for $10, and features the most year-by-year statistics ever recorded. BEARS players and coaches will participate in next Monday's HERSHEY BEARS Golf Classic at Fairview Golf Course in Lebanon. There are a handful of spots still available. Cost is $75 per player, and proceeds from the tournament benefit Shalom House, a not-for-profit shelter for women and children in Harrisburg.

Colorado Update: The Avalanche lost to the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It was the first defeat for Tony Granato's team in five games this preseason. Colorado has two exhibition games remaining, beginning with a game at Dallas this Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. Last Thursday, former BEAR Phil Sauve turned aside 34 of 36 shots as the Avalanche downed the San Jose Sharks 3-2 at Pepsi Center in Denver. Sauve was also named the game's number two star for his efforts. Marek Svatos picked up two assists in the contest, as he continues to have an outstanding preseason with Colorado. The Avalanche has been picked by several hockey publications to either win the Stanley Cup or advance to the Cup Finals after acquiring forwards Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne this summer. Colorado will open up the 2003-04 season with two straight home games, beginning with a date with the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, October 10. The Avs will then be back in action on Sunday, October 12 with a game at Pepsi Center against the St. Louis Blues.

Upcoming promotions: The first 1,200 fans through the gates for Saturday's exhibition game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will receive a free Phil Sauve bobblehead doll courtesy of Dodge. The BEARS open up the 2003-04 home schedule with a game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 18. Opening night festivities include a giveaway of ticket holder lanyards to the first 10,500 fans courtesy of GIANT Foods, and an appearance by Arnold, the Nickelodeon character from the cartoon "Hey Arnold". Arnold appears courtesy of Comcast. 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.

Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):

Monday, September 29:

Training camp practice at HPA, Off-ice conditioning at GC 9-Noon

Tuesday, September 30:

Training camp practice at HPA, Off-ice conditioning at GC 9-Noon

Wednesday, October 1:

Training camp practice at HPA, Off-ice conditioning at GC 9-Noon

Thursday, October 2:

Training camp practice at HPA, Off-ice conditioning at GC 9-Noon

Friday, October 3:

Bus to Wilkes-Barre at 3:00 p.m. Pre-season game at WB/Scr. at 7:05

Saturday, October 4:

Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m. Pre-season game vs. WB/Scr at 7:00

Sunday, October 5:

Pre-game skate 10:00 a.m. Pre-season game vs. Binghamton 5:00 p.m.

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