Bears Sign 5 to PTOs a Week Before Opening Camp

Carey go

HERSHEY, PA – With just a week to go before camp opens, the Hershey Bears announced via press release today that they have signed an additional five players to PTOs.

Matt Carey, Jeremy Langlois, Taylor Cammarata, Andrew Cherniwchan, and Frankie Simonelli will all be on the team’s training camp roster. Simonelli is a defenseman, while the other four are forwards.

Andrew Cherniwchan (Photo credit – South Carolina Stingrays)

Carey is a name known to Hershey fans. The 25-year-old was a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack last season. While no relation to departed Bear Paul Carey, who ironically is now a member of the New York Rangers organization, Hartford’s affiliate, Carey tallied 21 goals last season in 73 games for Hartford. The Hamilton, Ontario native has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, and Rockford and Iowa of the AHL in addition to Hartford.

Langlois played for Rockford last season, recording eight goals and six assists. The year before he recorded 34 points while playing for San Jose. Additionally, the 27-year-old native of Tempe, Arizona has played for Bridgeport, Springfield, and Worcester. He formerly played on a Reid Cashman-coached Quinnipiac University team.

Video Introduction to 5 Signees

Cammarata, a 2013 third-round draft pick by the New York Islanders is turning pro at age 22. Described as a speedy winger, spent the last four seasons playing for Big-10 powerhouse, University of Minnesota, where he recorded 93 points over the past four seasons.

Cherniwchan skated for Hershey’s ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays last season, contributing 29 points in the regular season and 16 more in the postseason to help the Rays to the Kelly Cup finals. Prior to that, the 28-year-old native of Hinton, Alberta played for Providence and Springfield of the AHL.

Frankie Simonelli (Photo Credit – ECHL)

Simonelli, the lone defender in the group, has also played with the Stingrays in the pst. During the 2014-2015 season, he also helped the club reach the Kelly Cup Finals. A University of Wisconsin alum, Simonelli also played for Providence and split time last season between Norfolk (ECHL) and Bakersfield (AHL).

The Bears open their camp on Monday with the first on-ice session open to the public at 10:30 at Giant Center. This is the 80th anniversary season for the Bears who open their season on the road. Their first home game is against Belleville on Saturday, October 14.

You can read the Bears official release here.

By Julie Beidler
Follow @juliebeidler