Hershey Bears Weekly Notebook 1/23/23

HERSHEY, Pa. - The Hershey Bears (26-8-5) returned from a successful trip to Canada having earned three of a possible four points. They begin the week in first place in the Atlantic Division, as they've been at or toward the top of the standings for much of the season.

Last Week

Friday, January 20: Hershey - 2 at Laval - 3 (OT)

In Laval on Friday night, Hershey did not give up an even-strength goal but penalties once again doomed the Bears in a 3-2 OT loss to the Rocket.

Joe Snively opened the scoring on a 5-on-3 PP late in the first period and Mike Sgarbossa tallied just six seconds before the horn giving Hershey a 2-0 lead headed into the first intermission.

In the second period, Laval earned a pair of PP goals, tying the game and eventually forcing OT as neither team was able to score in the third.

In OT, an untimely penalty by Mike Vecchione opened the door for Laval to get the game-winner.

Zach Fucale made 38 saves in net for the Bears.

Saturday, January 21: Hershey - 4 at Belleville - 2

The Bears made the trip from Laval to Belleville to take on former Hershey head coach Troy Mann and his Senators Saturday night.

Belleville tallied twice in the second period before Hershey scored four unanswered goals to earn a 4-2 victory.

Ethan Frank remained the hot hand for the Bears recording his 17th goal of the season in the third period to start Hershey's comeback.

Then, Beck Malenstyn scored shorthanded, Hershey’s second SH tally of the season, to tie the game.

Garrett Pilon gave the Bears the lead with just under eight minutes to go in the game.

Frank added an empty-net, insurance marker before time expired.

Hunter Shepard made 23 saves in the victory.

The Week Ahead

Hershey remains on the road for most of this week, but definitely closer to home. They play on Wednesday and Saturday in Allentown. Both games start at 7:15. Then Sunday, the Bears return home for Teddy Bear Toss Night against Bridgeport. Game time is 3:05.

Wednesday, January 25: Hershey at Lehigh Valley, 7:15 p.m. ET Saturday, January 28: Hershey at Lehigh Valley, 7:15 p.m. ET Sunday, January 29: Bridgeport at Hershey, 3:05 p.m. ET

Team Leaders

Points: Mike Vecchione - 36 Goals: Ethen Frank - 18 (T-8th in AHL) Assists: Mike Sgarbossa - 22 +/-: Ethen Frank +17 (T-9th in AHL), Mike Vecchione +16 (T-16th in AHL) PIM: Kale Kessy - 68 (T-16th in AHL) Saves: Zach Fucale - 471 SV%: Hunter Shepard .919 SV% (6th in AHL) GAA: Hunter Shepard 2.11 GAA (1st in AHL), Zach Fucale 2.52 GAA (12th in AHL)