Photo: Bridgeport Islanders
The Hershey Bears downed the Bridgeport Islanders, 4-2, Friday night at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mike Vecchione scored two goals and Ethen Frank recorded three assists in the win. With the victory the Bears record improves to 16-5-2-0 (34 points) on the season.
HERSHEY BEARS LINEUP
Zach Fucale (9-5-0, .900 sv%, 2.46 GAA) got the start in goal for the Bears. Cory Schneider (4-3-3 .921 sv%, 2.42 GAA) got the start between the pipes for the Islanders. The forward lines and defensive pairs for the Bears:
Mike Vecchione –Mike Sgarbossa – Ethen Frank
Henrik Borgstrom – Connor McMichael – Sam Anas
Mason Morelli – Hendrix Lapierre – Henrik Rybinski
Shane Gersich – Riley Sutter – Matthew Strome
Bobby Nardella – Dylan McIlrath
Lucas Johansen – Aaron Ness
Jake Massie – Vinny Iorio
Scratches: Gabriel Carlsson, Garrett Pilon (lower body injury), Julian Napravnik, Logan Day.
Hunter Shepard was officially recalled by the Capitals on Monday. The Bears recalled Clay Stevenson from ECHL South Carolina on Monday.
The Hershey Bears announced on Sunday that they signed goaltender Justin Kapelmaster to a professional tryout agreement (PTO). They released Kapelmster on Tuesday.
FIRST PERIOD
The Islanders struck first with an early tally by Ruslan Iskhakov (7) at 1:34 of the first period. Chris Terry (15) had the lone assist.
Vinny Iorio and Zach Fucale get beat. Bridgeport up 1-0 early. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/x79kAy3SfA
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) December 10, 2022
The Bears tied the game late in the opening frame. Ethen Frank made a sweet dish to Mike Vecchione, who was trailing the play, for the tying tally at 17:30 of the period. Ethen Frank (5) and Dylan McIlrath (5) had the helpers.
Sweet feed from Ethen Frank to Mike Veccione and the game is tied 1-1. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/6xLc1SoyXh
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) December 10, 2022
The first period concluded with the game tied 1-1. The Bears led in shots 21-10 in the first 20 minutes.
SECOND PERIOD
The Bears took an early 2-1 lead on a nifty backhander by Mike Sgarbossa (6) at 4:16 of the middle frame. Mike Vecchione (9) and Ethen Frank (6) had the helpers.
Mike Sgarbossa gathers and finishes with a backhander. Bears lead 2-1. #HBH #ScoreBoss pic.twitter.com/WUfRS7KFns
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) December 10, 2022
The Bears made it 3-1 on another fine feed from Ethen Frank to Mike Vecchione at 16:54.
The law firm of Frank and Vecchione do it again. Bears lead 3-1 in 2nd. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/bel8iab2fP
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) December 10, 2022
The second period expired with the Bears leading 3-1. Bears led in shots 10-8 in middle frame and 31-18 after two periods.
THIRD PERIOD
The Islanders would quickly cut into the Bears lead with a goal from Cole Bardreau (6) just 22 seconds into the final frame, making it 3-2.
The Bears were awarded a five-minute major power play early in the final frame after a boarding call on Arnaud Durandeau at 1:23 of the final frame. A portion of the power play was negated after Ethen Frank for high-sticking a minute later. No damages were done.
Ethen Frank would add an empty net goal for the 4-2 win.
The Bears are back in action on Saturday when they host the Erie Monsters in the first of a two-game weekend set at Giant Center. Puck drop on Saturday is set for 7PM.
SHAVINGS
- AHL box score
- Attendance: 1,642
- Stars of the game: 1) Mike Vecchione, 2) Ethen Frank and 3) Cole Bardreau (#21)
- Mike Vecchione had two goals and two assists.
- Ethen Frank had a goal and three assists.
And, down in the Carolinas, Bear had an assist during regulation and then the game winning goal in OT.
Caps gonna need to pull a d-man from Hershey, likely. Everyone is saying Johansen, but Gabriel Carlsson is playing a lot better, best Bears defenseman right now.
They could definitely use Carlsson’s size right now…
I watched the last 2 periods of the Minnesota game against Wisconsin tonight. Chesley scored his first college goal on a nice one-timer from the right side of the slot. He looks very smooth out there. He’s one of those players that isn’t very tall but is very wide, sort of like Letang. He’s a physical presence. Hits hard, and then when opponents try to hit him they seem to bounce off.
Thanks for reminding me, GR! Meant to post his goal. And thanks for scouting report.
https://tenor.com/view/gopher-excited-dancing-happy-dance-gif-9886558
Well someone in the comment section made reference to how well Ethan Frank has been playing. Obviously his good play has continued. Any more comment about Frank from our knowledgeable audience?
Conor Sheary type is what I’d call him. Big time college scorer, less than average size.
I would add to Kim’s player description, Frank has a canon of a shot, probably hardest on Bears right now, and is a very fast skater. His size probably hurt him in draft, like Bobby Nardella. But also a late bloomer in college. Another great find by Caps scout Danny Brooks.
Thank you Kim and Jon. (speaking of Bobby Nardella, hope he gets better quick). I’m thrilled we have Connor Sheary, Bobby Nardella, and Ethan Frank. Snively’s having a down year, but I hope he can bounce back when he gets another opportunity soon.
Two sets of numbers to chew on:
1. Bears are 8-0 when Vecchione scores a goal. Keep ’em coming, Mike!
2. Bears have 34 points, tops in the AHL, 1 ahead of Providence, and 2 ahead of Colorado