Stephens and Sauve Shine at All-Star Game
Published on February 4, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hershey Bears News Release
Games This Week:
Friday, February 7:
Bears at Rochester Americans 7:35 PM
Game #52, Road Game #24 Radio: BIG 92.7 FM Pre-Game:7:15 PM
Saturday, February 8:
Philadelphia Phantoms at Bears 7:00 PM
Game #53, Home Game #29
Radio: BIG 92.7 FM Pre-Game:6:40 PM
For ticket information on home games, phone the GIANT Center Box Office at (717) 534-3911.
Last Week: The Bears began the week with a convincing 4-1 win at home against Philadelphia. Jordan Krestanovich, Steve Brule, Eric Bertrand, and Mark Freer accounted for the goals in the victory, while Phil Sauve earned his 16th win of the season between the pipes. On Friday the Bears traveled to Albany and tied the River Rats 3-3 at Pepsi Arena. HERSHEY broke out in front 2-0 early in the second period on goals by Charlie Stephens and Nick Bootland, but the River Rats scored three straight second period tallies to take a 3-2 lead. Former River Rat Eric Bertrand rallied the Bears to a point in the standings with a late second period goal to earn the 3-3 deadlock. Saturday, the Bears returned home to face the Utah Grizzlies, and were defeated by the Bears from out west 3-1. Marc Busenburg scored the only Bears goal in the third period. Following the game on Saturday, the Bears entered the AHL's All Star Break.
Notables:Charlie Stephens shone brightly among other stars at the 2003 Dodge AHL All Star Classic on Monday. Stephens scored two goals and assisted on a third as his Canadian AHL All Stars defeated the Planet USA AHL All Stars 10-7 at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. Phil Sauve started the game in goal for Planet USA, but did not figure in the decision. Sauve gave up just two goals of the 10 for Planet USA. Playing for the Canadian team, Binghamton's Ray Emery got the win for stopping nine shots in the third period. Brian Willsie enters the week with points in three straight games, and points in nine of his last 10 games. The Bears have earned points in four of it's last six games, but have just one win in eleven games dating back to January 12th. Goaltender Phil Sauve has appeared in six straight games dating back to January 22nd. Sauve is also tops in minutes played in the AHL entering the week, 5th in goals against average at 2.21, 4th in the league in saves, and three wins behind Ray Emery of Binghamton for most wins in the American Hockey League. With 12 home games remaining, the Bears are on pace to attract 299,216 fans to GIANT Center in the facility's inaugural season. HERSHEY passed the 200,000 mark in attendance last Wednesday night against Philadelphia. The Bears are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with 56 points in an ever tightening race toward the Calder Cup Playoffs. HERSHEY stands only 7 points away from the third seeded Norfolk Admirals, but only 8 points ahead of Rochester for the 10th and final playoff spot in the West. The Bears have played the most games of any team in the South Division entering this week's action. President and General Manager Doug Yingst announced after Saturday's game with Utah that Bruce Richardson has been signed to a standard AHL players contract. Richardson had been playing in Louisiana of the East Coast Hockey League before his recall to the Bears on January 24th.
Colorado Update: The Avalanche are back in action after the All Star Break continuing a swing through the east coast. Colorado defeated the New York Rangers 4-3 in overtime last Thursday to head into the Break on a winning note. The Avs hit the ice tonight in Boston against the Bruins at the Fleet Center, and then play at Joe Louis Arena Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings. Thursday's game is nationally televised on ESPN. Colorado then returns home to face Detroit for the second straight game on Saturday night at Pepsi Center in Denver, and then the Calgary Flames come to call on Sunday night. The Avalanche begin the week as the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Practice Schedule (Subject to Change):
Monday, February 3:Off Day-All Star Break
Tuesday, February 4:Off Day-All Star Break
Wednesday, February 5:Practice- 1 p.m.
Thursday, February 6:Practice: 10:00 a.m. Bus to Rochester after Practice
Friday, February 7:Pre-game skate 11:15 a.m. in Rochester, Road Game at Rochester, 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, February 8:Home game vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 9:Off Day
American Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2003
- Friday is Armed Forces Night - Adirondack Phantoms
- 'Puck-er' Up for Valentine's Day - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Kings Acquire Koehler From Nashville - Manchester Monarchs
- Kings Make Multiple Transactions - Manchester Monarchs
- Pirates Look Toward Post All-Star Stretch - Portland Pirates
- Griffins Sign Goaltender Michaud - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Admirals Update - Norfolk Admirals
- Willsie Recalled Again by Avalanche - Hershey Bears
- Four Games in Five Nights Awaits Griffins - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Paterson Appointed Bulldogs Assistant Coach - Hamilton Bulldogs
- St. Louis Blues Recall Forward and Defenseman from Worcester - Worcester IceCats
- Stratford Appreciation Night This Saturday - Bridgeport Islanders
- Falcons Weekly Notes - Springfield Falcons
- Dora the Explorer to Visit War Memorial on Wednesday, February 19 - Syracuse Crunch
- Trent Hunter Shines At AHL All-Star Classic - Bridgeport Islanders
- Stephens and Sauve Shine at All-Star Game - Hershey Bears
- Phantoms' Slaney becomes all-time AHL All-Star Game points leader - Adirondack Phantoms
- Stephens Stars as Canadians Win, 10-7 - Hershey Bears
- Grenier recalled by Phoenix - Springfield Falcons
- Predators Trade Koehler - Milwaukee Admirals
- Blackhawks Recall Matt Henderson - Norfolk Admirals
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.
