In some respects, this list is pretty easy to compile, but the Bears have definitely been making a case for multiple players to earn NoVa Caps’ Stars of the Week honors of late, and that superb play has been paying huge dividends as the Bears now find themselves in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division with the playoffs right around the corner. 

This week’s stars racked up an impressive 9 goals, 13 assists, and a combined +13 rating in three Hershey victories. Without further ado, we’d like to introduce…

Star # 1 – Paul Carey – 6G, 2A, +2

Paul Carey has been impressive all season. After an injury shortened season last year, Carey has spent this season between Hershey and Washington (he also appeared in four games last season for the Caps). Perhaps the most memorable week of his season came this past week, and he was honored as CCM/AHL Player of the Week – read our story here.

Carey recorded his first professional hat trick Saturday against the Hartford Wolf Pack in impressive fashion – 4, nearly 5, goals. The fifth was not credited as it came near the end of the game and with scrums breaking out and the outcome of the game not hinging on it, Troy Mann did not challenge the call.

In his best professional career to date, Carey stands a chance to once again be recalled to Washington. One of the smallest contracts on the roster, Carey has proven he can play professionally, and if he is indeed the recall that is anticipated to come tomorrow, the Caps can get a good look at him to determine if he should be given a contract next season as he will become an unrestricted free agent.

We profiled Carey earlier this season – the prospect report can be found here.

Star # 2 – Christian Djoos – 2G, 5A, +6

Troy Mann has said that Christian Djoos will play in the NHL someday, and Mann is a pretty good judge of talent. Djoos, a rookie on last season’s run to the Calder Cup Final, is having his best professional season to date as well, but his career is just getting started.

In 56 games this season, he’s tallied 12 goals and 39 assists. Djoos is one of four Bears in the 50+ point club this season. He currently ranks 3rd in the AHL in scoring for defensemen.

This week’s heroics started with two goals and two assists on Friday night. He scored the game-winner in overtime, which has been the bane of Hershey’s existence this season – until now. He tacked on an assist on Carey’s first goal Saturday, and logged a pair of assists Sunday. He more than likely would have been named the Player of the Week had it not been for Carey’s performance.

We profiled Djoos earlier this season as well – his prospect report can be found here.

Star #3 – Travis Boyd – 1G, 6A, +5

Travis Boyd, in just two seasons has also impressed. Last season, as a rookie, Boyd appeared in every game for Hershey and surpassed the 50-point mark. And this year? Well, like Djoos and Carey, his stats are even better.

Friday night, Boyd rang up three assists and followed that up with three more assists Saturday before scoring the game-winner in Bridgeport Sunday.

A workhorse in Hershey, Boyd has played every game this year, just like he did a year ago in his rookie season. He was the only Bear to play in every regular season game last year. Our prospect report on Boyd can be found here.

By Julie Beidler
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— Beids (@juliebeidler) March 22, 2017