Joe Snively Scores First AHL Goal in First Pro Game in Hershey Bears Win over Providence Bruins (Photos)

HERSHEY, PA — The Hershey Bears recently signed 23-year-old Joe Snively from Yale University to an amateur tryout agreement, and he came up big for Chocolate Town in his debut against the Providence Bruins. In front of a sell out crowd of 10,500+, Snively scored the game winner in the third period to propel the Bears to victory and earn a much needed two points against the encroaching fourth place Bruins.

Devante Smith-Pelly also helped the Chocolate and White finally opening the scoring for the Bears in the third period after only registering two shots in the second period. DSP notched his sixth of the season with Hershey. Ilya Samsonov also continues to be hot. He stopped 28 of 29 shots and now has 18 wins on the season and a 2.76 GAA and .896 SV%.

The Bears improved to 37-24-3-4 on the season and are in third place in the Atlantic Division with 81 points in 68 games. Only three home games remaining in the regular season!

For more on tonight’s matchup, check out our full-game recap and keep scrolling for photos from the game.

Snively gets the rookie treatment with the hot lap by himself for warm ups.

DSP tosses a puck over to some fans who had a sign for him. They look pretty excited.
And Sgarbossa gives his gloves as a little birthday present.

Walker and the goalies.

Devising a plan.

Former Bear Paul Carey on the Bruins bench.

Nice breakaway opportunity for Barber.

That’s a lot of sticks.

DSP gets the Bears on the board.

And a little smile from Vanecek.

Now everyone watch the replay.

And in between a fan’s celebrating hands you can see Snively celebrating his first AHL goal in his first pro game.

Atta boy.

Giving Snively a good cheer.

And a few pats on the back for a job well done.

When your friend goes for the last piece of pizza.

Beck Malenstyn blocking shots like a beast.

The Bears hold out for the W.

The man of the hour.

Of course, Malenstyn had to hug Walker (and lift him off the ground).

Big saves from Sammy.

DSP – third star of the game.