Some Updates Would Be Nice

July 4, 2012.  That was my last post.  Wow.  I am fairly certain that August 2012 was the first month since I started this blog that at least one post was not written. 

But we are now in September so why not get started again.  Not a whole lot happened over the past month and half but a few things did...let's touch on them.

The 2012-13 Roster:

My page is updated (I believe) as of today so if you want to see the players that are likely to be in Hershey for camp on the 29th, this list should include most of them. 

Lots of good talent in Hershey this year and it could get better...

The Lockout:

I would imagine that most of you have heard about the prospective NHL lockout that is likely headed our way this fall.  Apparently the guys making the millions can't figure out how to share it and instead of sitting down and figuring it out like adults, they are going to stomp their feet and take away the product that actually makes their money in the first place.  Makes sense to me...or not.

Anyways.

We will still have hockey in Hershey no matter what so honestly I don't really care.  In addition, other talented players could make their way to Hershey. 

From my understanding of the rules (which is limited by the way) all players on entry level contracts would be eligible for the AHL.  Meaning...Braden Holtby, Dmitri Orlov, and Marcus Johannssen would be eligible to play in Hershey.

After those players it creates a bit of uncertainty as players on 2-way contracts would either need a waiver to be signed by the NHLPA or would need to redo their contracts to AHL one way deals until the lockout is ended.  In addition, I am not sure how a player like Ryan Potulny would be affected as he is on a NHL one way contract this year. 

Lots of questions still to be answered...hopefully the egos in the NHL and NHLPA can work through their stubbornness and prevent this from turning into an extended hockey break.

New Colors and New Logos:

The great folks over at Sweetest Hockey on Earth took some impressive pictures during the unveiling of the new jersey's and logo's party for season ticket holders.  I was unable to attend and was eagerly awaiting their photographs.  I borrowed a couple of pictures from their site but please head on over to Sweetest Hockey on Earth to see the rest.

I love the new (old) colors and the logo is very nice.  Personally still love the skating bear and the history of it but this is definitely an improvement over the most recent logo. 

I found the 'alternate' or shoulder patch logos elsewhere on the web (link to site here) and personally would love to see a jersey with this logo on the front:

I would buy a jersey with that on the front.  And I don't buy jerseys.

Overall, very nice and I am looking forward to seeing the players in the new jerseys for opening night at GC on October 20th.

The Schedule:

Speaking of October 20th.  That is the Bears home opener this year...against Rochester.  The Bears open their 2012-13 season in Syracuse on Saturday, October 13th.

No real surprises in the schedule.  Wilkes-Barre is on the list 12 times, Binghamton 8 times, Norfolk 8 times, and Syracuse 6 times.  Hershey will play Toronto, Rochester, Hamilton, and Lake Erie from the Western Conference and everyone from the Eastern Conference at least twice.

For those still complaining that the Bears don't play all the other teams...remember that each individual team creates their own schedule.  Many of us season ticket holders would love to see Abbotsford or Texas on the schedule.  But we have to keep in mind that ticket sales are the most critical part of the teams financial success and when you can pretty much guarantee sell-outs when the Penguins come to Hershey...wouldn't you schedule them as much as possible too.  And for the teams in Texas, Oklahoma City, and other non-traditional hockey markets...you need to hold those rivalry games as much as possible as you aren't selling near as many seats as the Bears already. 

Yes it's frustrating but it's also business.  Until the AHL takes over the scheduling (highly unlikely) this is the kind of thing you will see every year.

Exhibition Schedule:

Hershey will play 4 exhibition games this year.  Two road games...Binghamton and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and two home games against the same teams.  The games will be held October 3, 5, 6, and 7. 


Now that we are getting closer to the season I would imagine that I will be posting more frequently.  That's the plan anyways.