Hershey Bears Preseason Comes to a Close

Leah Koppenhaver and Kate LaCoe

The Hershey Bears preseason series came to a close on Sunday, September 30 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The series included two games, one away at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre home stadium and one home game for the Bears held at the Giant Center.

In game one, the Bears fell to the Penguins 6-2. Hershey’s only goals coming from Steven Whitney and Jeremy Morgan, both in the second period.

In game two, the preseason finale, the Bears fell managed a more reasonable score of 3-2.

The Bears and Penguins entered the third period in a 2-2 tie, until The Penguins scored to take the lead with 7:31 left to play. The Bears were unable to make a come back.

Goals came by Axel Jonsson-Fjallby in the first period, and Shane Gersich in the second.

Hershey’s season and home opener was held Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m. vs. Syracuse Crunch, where the Bears fell 3-2.

All fans at the home opener on Oct. 6 received a free Hersheypark ticket, as part of Hersheypark Pass Night.

Prior to the game, all fans were invited to attend the Opening Night Red Carpet Arrival, starting at 3PM. There was music, food, drinks, and the opportunity to get autographs and pictures with the players.

Several new Washington Capitals prospects made their season debut this weekend with the Bears. The new players included Shane Gersich, Jusso Ikonen, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Max Kammerer, Garrett Pilon, and 2015 first round pick, Russian goaltender, Ilya Samsonov.

As well as several new players, Hershey has named a new head coach for the 2018-19 season, Spencer Carbery.

Carbery was named the 26th head coach in Hershey Bears history in June, becoming the second youngest coach in the AHL.

The Bears are hoping to win their 12th Calder Cup this season, which would be the first since 2010.

Tickets are available at hersheybears.com starting at $14.

On October 6 the Hershey Bears opened their season against Syracuse Crunch. The Bears take the Giant Center ice again Friday, October 27. (Hershey Bears)