State of The Hershey Bears 2021-22

HERSHEY, Pa. - Hockey has finally returned to Giant Center, and the Bears are hungry to hang another Calder Cup banner.

A year after posting the best record in the AHL on the heels of a disappointingly abrupt end to the 2019-2020 season, captain Matt Moulson has returned to try for that seemingly elusive final championship that has been within reach in -what-might-have-been seasons.

The Roster

Currently, the Bears Roster has 16 forwards, 10 defensemen, and 4 goaltenders, but that list grows daily as the Washington Capitals reassign players to Hershey - or at least attempt to reassign them. Speedy forward Axel Jonsson-Fjällby (just when you learn how to spell his full name) was claimed off of waivers earlier this week by Buffalo. His speed and grit will certainly be missed this season in Hershey. Players with a (T) are currently on a tryout deal.

Forwards: Kody Clark (7G/2A in 19 games), Ryan Dmowski (T), Shane Gersich (6G/8A in 33 games), Will Graber (1G/3A in 4 games), Ben Hawerchuk (T), Kale Kessy (2G/4A in 21 games), Brett Leason (9G/11A in 33 games), Mason Morelli (0G/5A in 15 games), Matt Moulson (12G/12A in 33 games), Brian Pinho (8G/4A in 10 games), Alexei Protas (2G/5A in 16 games), Mike Sgarbossa (5G/5A in 14 games), Joe Snively (6G/11A in 30 games), Riley Sutter (0G/9A in 25 games), Yanick Turcotte (0G/0A in 2 appearances in South Carolina), Mike Vecchione (7G/3A in 18 games with Colorado-AHL).

Defensemen: Alex Alexeyev (2G/7A, +11 in 12 games), Macoy Erkamps (0G/0A, +2 in 9 games), Cody Franson, Tobias Geisser, Lucas Johansen (0G/2A. +2 in 5 games), Jake Massie (T), Dylan McIlrath, Chaz Reddekopp (T), Jordan Subban, Eddie Wittchow (1G/3A. +1 in 19 games)

Goaltenders: Cedrick Andree (T), Ryan Bednard, Phoenix Copley, Hunter Shepard

Storylines

And The Tough Guy Award Goes To

Kale Kessy, Eddie Wittchow, and Dylan McIlrath are no strangers to the big, heavy hits. Kessy’s post-fight antics are notorious around the league, and they make him a fan favorite in Hershey. He’s also a favorite in the locker room because he is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares to mess with any of his teammates. Kessy racked up an impressive 115 penalty minutes in an abbreviated season starting with a fight with LV’s Sam Morin in the season opener and ending with a pair of fights in the season finale against Wilkes-Barre. Like Kessy, Wittchow can throw punches too. On nights when Kessy remained out of trouble, it was likely Wittchow who stepped in amassing 62 penalty minutes in 19 games. Of course, McIlrath has found himself in a bit of trouble already this season earning a suspension from the NHL already for a hit to the head of another player. LOOK FOR - No reason to think anyone backs down from a challenge or issues several of their own this season.

New Coach, Same Results?

During the off-season, word came that Spencer Carbery was leaving Hershey and heading to Toronto. After a successful head coaching campaign, the Bears looked to fill the void created by Carbery’s departure just weeks before the start of the season. Scott Allen is no stranger to the Hershey bench. Bears fans can expect to see more of the same, especially since there has been a conscious effort in Hershey to run the Washington system. That said, several teams in Hershey’s division have loaded up on talent in the off-season, and with Charlotte hosting players from two NHL teams, it could prove to be a difficult route to the playoffs.

LOOK FOR - More of the same with respect to player development as the coaching staff continues to boast a close, working relationship. As far as the postseason goes, the Atlantic Division is always tough - this year will prove no different.

Goaltending

Another story line emerging this season is goaltending. At the end of last season, the Bears finished with Hunter Shepard and Zach Fucale as their tandem in goal, a storyline that nobody expected. With illness and injury issues plaguing the Capitals throughout the 2020-2021 campaign, one can expect a next-man-up approach to goaltending yet again. Washington seemingly will go with Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek, having sent Pheonix Copley through waivers, but will the veteran have Fucale or Shepard as his partner? LOOK FOR - One can bet the organization will likely ensure that all prospects get playing time at some level, so it’s doubtful that any one of them will see the lion’s share of time in net in Hershey.

Scoring

If Connor McMichael and Garrett Pilon are returned to Hershey, the Bears would have six of their top ten back in the fold from last season, and it’s a sure bet that Brian Pinho’s contributions will be welcomed after the winger went a second-best 1.2 Pt/G. Phil Maillet and Jonsson-Fjallby are gone, but there is plenty of talent to replace that scoring. Specifically, fans can expect to see big things from Alaiksei Protas this season. In his limited time in the AHL last season, Protas was stellar. For a big guy, he can move, sees the ice well, and has scoring ability. It’s all just an adjustment to the AHL game, and in 16 appearances last season, it’s easy to see why there is excitement in Washington for the development of the big center. There is also quite a bit of promise in Beck Malenstyn if injury does not sideline the winger again.

LOOK FOR - A balanced offensive attack with several players vying for the team’s scoring title, especially if the PP unit gets rolling right out of the gates.

The Blueline

Once again, the Bears are rebuilding the blueline. Martin Fehervary is the final remaining Bear fighting for a roster spot in Washington. It remains to be seen if the Caps want to limit the talented youngster’s ice time in DC or send him back to Hershey once again. Additionally, someone is going to have to fill the hole left by Schilling. The earlier that happens, the better things will be for Hershey.

The team certainly hopes that Lucas Johansen can make it through a season without an injury, but with the likes of McIlrath and Jordan Subban joining the ranks, there is some experience in Hershey. However, the lack of time together on the ice in game situations could prove a big problem out of the gates.

LOOK FOR - A big year by Alexeyev (and Fehervary if he’s in Hershey) will go a long way to propelling the Bears to the playoffs.

Preseason Schedule

Friday, October 8: Hershey - 5 at W-B/Scranton - 4Sunday, Oct 10: Lehigh Valley at Hershey, 5:00 p.m. ETWednesday, Oct 13: Hershey at Lehigh Valley, 7:15 p.m. ET