Game Preview: Bears at Thunderbirds, 7:05 p.m.
January 11, 2019 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release
(Springfield, MA) - The Hershey Bears open the road portion to their 2019 schedule with a Friday night tilt against the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Bears and T-Birds have met three prior times this season with Springfield winning the last two games.
Hershey Bears (15-19-0-2) at Springfield Thunderbirds (16-12-5-3)
January 11, 2019 | 7:05 PM | Game 37 | MassMutual Center
Referees: Jordan Deckard (14), Furman South (44)
Linesmen: Kyle Richetelle (47), Kevin Briganti (39)
Broadcast Information (Pre-game 6:35 p.m.)
RADIO: WQIC-100.1 FM, Fox Sports 1460-AM, Zack Fisch, the Voice of the Bears on the call.
LISTEN LIVE: Fox Sports AM-1460 Stream
WATCH LIVE: AHLTV, Caps Radio 24/7
ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS
LAST TIME OUT:
The Bears return to the ice this evening for the first time since last Sunday, a 3-1 loss on home ice to the Milwaukee Admirals. Hershey opened the scoring with a Nathan Walker goal at 15:26 of the first period, but the Admirals scored three straight times, including twice in the second period, to sweep the two-game season series with Hershey. The Bears allowed a season-low 18 shots in the loss. The Thunderbirds have also been out of action since last Sunday, a 4-3 overtime loss to Lehigh Valley. Sebastian Repo, Harry Zolnierczyk, and Josh Brown scored for the T-Birds, but Mark Friedman spoiled the contest for the 4,733 in attendance, striking for the overtime winner. Samuel Montembeault had 40 saves for Springfield.
SEASONS SERIES VS. T-BIRDS:
Tonight marks the fourth meeting between the Bears and Thunderbirds this season. Springfield has won the past two affairs, including claiming a 4-1 decision in the most recent meeting on Dec. 16 at the MassMutual Center. That contest marked Hershey's first regulation loss at MassMutual Center since Mar. 8, 2008, and ended the Bears 15-game point streak in road games versus Springfield teams at 11-0-1-3. Anthony Greco has four goals in the four contests versus Hershey this season. Both teams enter tonight's game looking to overcome recent struggles The Bears are 4-6-0-0 over the past 10 games, while Springfield is 3-4-3-0.
WALKING ON SUNSHINE:
Hershey forward Nathan Walker has been a bright spot in the three games versus Springfield this season. The fifth-year Hershey forward has three goals this season versus the T-Birds, the most of any Bear in head-to-head action. Since Springfield's team was christened the Thunderbirds in 2016, Walker has played in 13 games versus the T-Birds, tallying eight points (seven goals, one assist). He enters tonight's game with points in each of his past two contests, and 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 21 AHL games this season.
ASSIST FROM AARON:
Hershey defender Aaron Ness continues to produce from the backend, posting assists in his past three games. The veteran has accumulated five points (one goal, four assists) in that span. He scored a goal and two assists in the win over Grand Rapids last Saturday, striking for a single-game high three points for the fourth time in his AHL career. Ness has points in four of his past five games, and has added to the score sheet in six of the past 10 games.
MILESTONE HIT FOR WHIT:
Tonight's game will mark the 100th career AHL game for forward Steve Whitney. He has collected 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in his 99 previous AHL games. Whitney has contributed six points with Hershey in 26 games this season as he returned to an AHL roster for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign when he was a member of the Norfolk Admirals. Tonight is Whitney's first game in Springfield since Feb. 23, 2014, when he helped his Norfolk team to a 3-2 win over the Springfield Falcons.
ALL-STAR GOALIE DUEL:
Tonight's game features the two goaltenders selected to represent the Atlantic Division at the 2019 Lexus AHL All-Star Classic later this month in Springfield. Thunderbirds goaltender Samuel Montembeault earned an All-Star Classic nod in his home city, and ranks third in the AHL in saves with 628 and fifth in the league in minutes played at 1368:38. Hershey netminder Vitek Vanecek is 12th in the AHL with a 2.64 goals against average, earning him a spot in the All-Star Classic for the first time in his career.
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