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AHL Hershey Bears

Sound Tigers in on Saturday as Bears head toward All-Star break

February 7, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release


Last Week: HERSHEY opened the week at home on Wednesday with a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phantoms at GIANT Center. Jeff Ulmer opened the scoring with his 13th goal of the season in the first period, which was followed by goals from Cody McCormick and two from Mathieu Darche. Peter Budaj won his 17th game of the season, making 29 saves on 30 Philadelphia shots. On Friday, the BEARS traveled to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and suffered an 8-2 setback at the hands of the Penguins. David Masse and Carl Corazzini supplied the goals for HERSHEY in the losing effort while Wilkes-Barre outshot the BEARS 36-26. Following the defeat, the BEARS rallied in fine fashion Saturday night by defeating the Binghamton Senators 4-3 in overtime at home. Brett Clark began the scoring with his fourth goal of the season late in the first period before Nick Naumenko scored a power play tally early in the second stanza. Jeff Finger gave HERSHEY a late third period lead by scoring just his second goal of the year, but the Senators would strike in the final minute of regulation when center Chris Kelly scored against Peter Budaj with the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker. In overtime, Eric Perrin scored just 24 seconds into sudden death to earn the win for HERSHEY. The win gave the BEARS two wins in three games against East Division clubs last week, and raised HERSHEY'S record to 25-23-1-0, good for 51 points and fifth place. The BEARS begin the week just seven points behind Philadelphia for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division, and trail first place by just 10 points as the current week begins. Norfolk, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Binghamton all rank in a first place tie with 61 points.

Notables: The game-winning goal for Eric Perrin Saturday night was his seventh of the season, which ties him with Lowell's Chuck Kobesew for most in the AHL this season. Mathieu Darche is fourth in the league in shots on goal entering play this week. David Masse's goal on Friday at Wilkes-Barre was his first since January 5 at Pepsi Arena in Albany, breaking a ten-game goal drought. Jeff Finger's goal on Saturday night was his first at GIANT Center this season. Peter Budaj won his 18th game of the season in HERSHEY'S 4-3 overtime victory on Saturday night, establishing a new career best for wins in a season. The third-year pro won 17 during the 2003-04 season. Following Wednesday's game at Lowell, the BEARS have just two games remaining this season against Atlantic Division clubs. HERSHEY will travel to Springfield to play the Falcons on March 16 and host the Portland Pirates at home on March 23.

Upcoming promotions: Stoner Graphix HERSHEY BEARS Post it-Notepad night is Saturday, February 12 when the Bridgeport Sound Tigers come to town at 7:00 p.m. A free BEARS post-it note pad to the first 3,000 fans. COCO THE BEAR Bobblehead night, sponsored by your hometown Dodge Dealers, is Sunday, February 27 when the BEARS play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 5:00 p.m. A free bobblehead doll of HERSHEY BEARS mascot COCO to the first 4,500 fans through the gates. Sunday, March 13 is Throwback night at GIANT Center, with the BEARS taking on the Norfolk Admirals at 5:00 p.m. HERSHEY will wear commemorative 1968-69 jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game for charity. Sunday, March 20 is Bic Graphic USA Photo Night when the BEARS take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a free HERSHEY BEARS marker from Bic, and all fans may come onto the ice after the game to take photos of BEARS player. All fans that enter the ice after the game will also receive a complimentary team photo.

Down on the Farm: The Reading Royals begin the week with a 24-14-3 record, good for fourth place in a tight North Division race. The Royals lost for the second consecutive time Sunday, falling to the Trenton Titans 4-1 at Trenton. Ryan Kinasewich scored the lone goal for Reading, who have now lost four out of six games to the Titans this season. Trenton and Reading will meet at the Sovereign Center in Reading on Tuesday, February 15 in a make-up game that was postponed on January 22 due to heavy snow and ice. Quad City won for the 20th time this season in UHL action Friday night by downing the Kansas City Outlaws 4-3 at the MARK of the Quad Cities. Frantisek Skladany scored his fourth goal of the season for the Mallards in the game. QC stands in fourth place in the UHL's Western Division, eight points behind third place Missouri.

Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):

Monday, February 7: Practice-GIANT Center 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, February 8: Practice-GIANT Center 9:00 a.m. Bus to Lowell after

Wednesday, February 9: Road game at Lowell, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 10: Practice-HERSHEYPARK Arena 11:00 a.m.

Friday, February 11: Road game at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, February 12: Home game vs. Bridgeport, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 13: Off day-Beginning of All-Star Break

The week ahead:

Wednesday, February 9: BEARS at Lowell Lock Monsters 7:00 PM Game #50, Road Game #23 Radio: 1460 AM/1390 AM PRE-GAME: 6:40 PM

Friday, February 11: BEARS at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 7:05 PM Game #51, Road Game #24 Radio: 1460 AM/1390 AM PRE-GAME: 6:45 PM

Saturday, February 12: Bridgeport Sound Tigers at BEARS 7:00 PM Game #52, Home Game #28 Radio: 1460 AM/1390 AM PRE-GAME: 6:40 PM

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