Training Camp Underway in Hershey

Yesterday the 2010-11 season of Hershey Bears hockey kicked off as training camp started up. There aren't a ton of bodies in camp yet as many of the players remain in Washington.

The biggest story moving forward is the 3rd line center battle in Washington. The outcome will directly affect the Bears so it deserves some attention.

So far all 3 candidates (Eakin, Johansson, Perreault) have looked very good. They have scored goals, recorded assists, and have fit in each place they have played. It is still anyone's guess to who will win the job to start the season. And I have a guess too or maybe more of a theory.

Assuming Fleischmann starts at 2nd line center (which appears likely) there is only 1 spot open in the starting lineup. There is also room for one extra player on the roster that last week I thought would go to Hendricks or Andrew Gordon but now there are rumors that it could be one of the centers.

I don't see it happening. If it did though it would likely be Cody Eakin...at least for a few games. I believe the Caps would have 10 games to see what they have in Eakin and still send him back to juniors for the year...I think. If that is the case I could see them giving him a few games. If it works out and he shines then he stays on the NHL roster this year. If not, then they send him back.

But I don't see them risking Hendricks and/or Gordon on waivers just to keep Eakin for a few games.

I still think MoJo will be the #3 center on opening night and Perry will be back in Hershey to start the season.

As for the Gordon/Hendricks battle...now that Hendricks officially has a contract (a one year 2 way deal) this is actually a position battle...I think Gordon is still likely to get it. And the main reason is waivers. The chances are better that a team takes a shot at Gordo instead of Hendricks and that is not something the Caps are going to take a chance on...at least I don't think so.

The Hershey roster could look drastically different come opening night. If Gordo does make the Caps two thirds of the top line from last season would not be in Hershey this year.

But fear not Bears fans as this won't be a repeat of 07-08 either. In 07-08 Hershey was coming off a 2nd consecutive Finals appearance and the roster that year featured many young unproven players like Gordon, Joudrey and Wilson. The main 'veteran' leadership and 'star' role (and I use those terms VERY LOOSELY here) was Joe Motzko. Oh and the million dollar man Ben Clymer was also there.

This year....

Willsie, Hendricks (assuming the above happens), Greentree, and all the returning Bears (Pinner, Coiner, Bouch, and others) and young new Bears (Kugryshev, Hauswirth, Gustafsson, Kashirsky) will still make this a very good year.

The talent level in Hershey will still be very high and as long as the goaltending holds up we could be watching live hockey at the Giant Center well into spring again in 2011!

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Hershey released their 3rd or alternate jerseys this past week. Some of you might have already seen 'leaks' of these jersey's online but they were officially unveiled earlier this week...


While it isn't the 'traditional' skating bear logo that we all love it is closer. Definitely expect to see some of these in the GC this season. And it could be as early as this weekend...if you are a season ticket holder headed down for the ticket night festivities tomorrow night these jersey's WILL be on sale.

Hendricks stars as Caps open preseason

The Capitals opened their preseason slate last night in Columbus with a 6-2 win. Plenty of potential Bears got a chance to showcase their abilities including Braden Holtby, Andrew Gordon, and Mathieu Perreault.

But Matt Henricks made the biggest argument for a roster spot as he scored 3 goals on 4 shots. He is only in camp on a professional tryout contract so production like that will definitely help his cause for either a spot in Washington or in Hershey.

Of more concern for most following Washington and Hershey is the battle for the 2 center positions. Based on the roster makeup the Caps would much prefer to have Tomas Fleischmann win the 2nd line center spot. With 4 wingers (Semin, Laich, Fehr, Chimera) all penciled in on the 2nd and 3rd lines if Flash were to end up at wing someone would be out of regular minutes. And that just doesn't make sense.

So how did the centers do?

The 4 that played, Flash, Eakin, Perreault, and Johansson, all had solid games. In fact, of the four, only Perry failed to record a point. But according to some write ups (Capitals Insider, Japer's Rink) he played well.

Flash had the best night of the four however as he scored 2 goals and added an assist as his line (alongside Laich and Semin) accounted for 2 goals and 5 assists on the night. Eakin added a goal and MoJo added 2 assists as well.

It seems to be a 3 horse race for the 2 spots and with Flash penciled in at #2 center it would be a surprise to see either Eakin or Keith Aucoin (who didn't play last night) beat out Perry or MoJo for the #3 spot.

Obviously one preseason game is a bit early to start making predictions but considering the dynamics of the situation I think, barring an exceptional performance by someone over the next few weeks, the lines are probably set.

Line 1 ~Ovechkin - Backstrom - Knuble
Line 2 ~ Laich - Fleischmann - Semin
Line 3 ~ Chimera - Johansson - Fehr
Line 4 ~ Bradley - Steckel - B Gordon
extras ~ King, A Gordon/Hendricks

Why is that you ask...

It's simple. MoJo isn't going to come to Hershey (more than likely) so its either Sweden or the NHL. If he goes back to Sweden he really doesn't develop anymore. His main issue is adjusting to the pace and rink size here in North America. So sending him to Sweden is silly unless he is straight beat out for the position, which seems unlikely.

In addition Perry can come and go freely form Hershey. If they need him for 2 games then they can call him up without worrying about waivers. Plus Perry's main problem is probably consistency and size, which he can work on in Hershey too.

If MoJo was a candidate for Hershey I think this would be more of a battle but that doesn't seem likely as he isn't interested in playing there. If that changes then you could see the battle play out longer as he could adjust to the rink size in Hershey for a few months.

Both players will get plenty of time in Washington but to start the year I think MoJo gets the opportunity.

As for the other battles, Gordon and Hendricks are probably fighting for the final spot in Washington. There are others up for the position too, Beagle, Willsie, Pinner, but Gordo and Henricks are the leading candidates.

This is a tough one to call. One, Hendricks, has played regularly in the NHL (60 games the last 2 years with Colorado) but has a lower 'ceiling'. The other, Gordon, has played in only 3 NHL games but could become a regular producer for an NHL team.

Both players have to clear waivers to come to Hershey, which factors in to the decision. I think it actually makes the decision for the Caps. If Gordon shows enough I don't see how he gets sent back to Hershey.

Why risk losing him to a waiver claim like Bourque last year? Honestly the Caps were pretty much done with Bourque when the sent him through waivers last year. Obviously he has talent but they had given him every chance to win a spot and he couldn't do it. Gordon is a different case as they don't want to lose him right now.

So in my highly unprofessional opinion we have likely seen the last of Andrew Gordon in Hershey as well. I think he makes the Caps as the 13th/14th forward and will see time on the 3rd and 4th lines with regularity this season.

But remember it is still early in the preseason with plenty of games to go.

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Hershey's training camp starts on Monday the 27th and 9 players were reassigned to Hershey earlier this week:

G Todd Ford
D Patrick Cullity
D Joe Finley
F David de Kostrazza
F Anton Gustafsson
F Jake Hauswirth
F Nikita Kashirsky
F Dmitry Kugryshev
F Ashton Rome

Expect more cuts to be made this weekend as the Caps will want Hershey to have a full (enough) roster for their camp on Monday.

Andrew Gordon a Cap.....

I figured with all the forwards already in Washington that Gordon would return to Hershey for another season but I didn't really factor in the waiver wire.

Much like Chris Bourque last year, Gordon would have to clear waivers to end up in Hershey. And considering his talent, production, and age I wouldn't be so sure that he would get through.

Now keep in mind that if he were to be picked up he would have to clear waivers again to get him to the AHL which, like Bourque last year, could allow for Washington/Hershey to come in and get him back.

Corey Masisak seems to think he will be in Washington to start the season...

Gordon scored 37 goals for Hershey last regular season and added 13 more in the Calder Cup playoffs. He doesn’t turn 25 until December, and is versatile enough to play on either an energy line or a scoring line at the AHL level and maybe in the big leagues as well. Plus he earns high marks for his work ethic and compatibility in the dressing room.

Does that sound like a player some NHL franchises might be interested in acquiring for free? Um, yes. The Capitals have 13 forwards signed to one-way contracts. Subtract Michael Nylander and add Johansson or Perreault or Aucoin, and that is 13 forwards on the opening-night roster. If Washington only carries seven defensemen that leaves one spot open.

Gordon would have to clear waivers if he is sent back to Hershey. Does he make the team in part because the Capitals are worried about losing him for nothing? If no other forwards are moved between now and cutdown day, that might be a pretty sound bet.

In the same post Masisak also lists his top 30 organizational prospects. You can find the whole post by clicking this link (there are 5 stories to watch for as well in there) but I also provide the list below.

I am excited about the list not for this season but for future seasons...plenty of talent in the pipeline. The teams beside their name are where you can likely find them this season.

1. John Carlson, Washington
2. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)*
3. Michal Neuvirth, Washington
4. Marcus Johansson, Washington
5. Braden Holtby, Hershey/Washington
6. Cody Eakin, Swift Current (WHL)*
7. Mathieu Perreault, Hershey/Washington
8. Dmitri Orlov, Mettalurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)*
9. Andrew Gordon, Washington/Hershey
10. Patrick Wey, Boston College (NCAA)*
11. Stanislav Galiev, Saint John (QMJHL)*
12. Patrick McNeil, Hershey/Washington
13. Jay Beagle, Hershey/Washington
14. Anton Gustafsson, Hershey
15. Philipp Grubauer, Kingston (OHL)*
16. Steve Pinizzotto, Hershey
17. Dmitry Kugryshev, Hershey
18. Dustin Stevenson, South Carolina/Hershey
19. Trevor Bruess, Hershey
20. Francois Bouchard, Hershey
21. Caleb Herbert, Sioux City (USHL)
22. Garrett Mitchell, Regina (WHL)
23. Brett Flemming, Mississauga (OHL)
24. Zach Miskovic, Hershey/Washington
25. Greg Burke, New Hampshire (NCAA)
26. Dan Dunn, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
27. Jake Hauswirth, South Carolina/Hershey
28. Phil DeSimone, New Hampshire (NCAA)
29. Samuel Carrier, Lewiston (QMJHL)
30. Sean Collins, Hershey

Rookies win 4-3....Camp begins tomorrow

Congratulations the the Caps rookie's as they defeated the Flyers rookies 4-3 yesterday. Defenseman and sometimes Bear Josh Godfrey scored 2 goals while Cody Eakin scored the game winner with just over a minute to go.

Some players impressed more than others this week. Eakin, Marcus Johansson, Stanislav Galiev, and Dustin Stevenson were the position players mentioned and Braden Holtby, who volunteered to take part in camp so he could get some extra work, was also mentioned for his obvious work ethic and eagerness to show what he can do.

But how will those players do over the next couple weeks and what does all of this mean to the Bears?

Here is the main storyline to watch during Caps camp that will greatly shape the Bears opening night roster.

The 2nd (and 3rd) Line Center Competition

The Caps are still looking for that second line center that has been missing from their roster since Sergei Federov left a couple years ago. By my count there are no more than 6 players competing for not only the 2nd line center but the 3rd line center spot as well.

• Keith Aucoin -a definite veteran presence that has shown year in year out at the AHL level the ability to make those around him better. He played 9 games for the Caps last season collecting 1 goal and 4 assists. Extended out over a full season that equals 9 goals and 36 points. As a 3rd line center that wouldn't be bad.
• Cody Eakin - the 2009 3rd round pick has impressed everyone on a consistent basis. He earned playing time in the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs after a stellar junior season where he scored 47 goals and 44 assists in 70 games. Not eligible for Hershey this season so its either NHL or WHL.
  
• Tomas Fleischmann - played much of last season at center and was okay. Not a consistent force on faceoffs and highly inconsistent offensively. He has frustrated fans and the organization and some speculated that he could be traded this summer but that didn't materialize. Last year was his best year as a pro as he scored 23 goals and added 28 assists in 69 games. Boudreau loves him too, which doesn't hurt.
  
• Marcus Johansson - the 2009 1st round pick was "the most consistent player on the ice" during the rookie game yesterday. Playing in the Swedish Elite League the last two years he has totaled 15 goals and 15 assists. Highly unlikely that he would end up in Hershey so if he doesn't make the Caps he is back to Sweden.
  
• Brooks Laich - another player who had a career year in 09-10 as he scored 25 goals and added 34 assists (both career highs). He is more than likely a winger but has played some center during his career and if any of the players falter he could step up.
  
• Mathieu Perreault - the diminutive, late round pick has done nothing but impress since making the Hershey roster 2 years ago. He is listed at 5'9" and 166lbs but has supposedly spent the summer adding muscle to his frame. There might not be a better pure playmaker on this list as he will always look to pass first, sometimes too often. He played in 21 games for the Caps last season scoring 4 goals and 5 assists. Extended out over a full season would be roughly 16 goals and 20 assists.
  

Beyond those players you could make an argument for Boyd Gordon or Jay Beagle being up for the 3rd line spot but I would say they have little to no chance in beating out the other 6.

Obviously if the Caps give the spot(s) to either Aucoin or Perreault (or both!) then Hershey will definitely feel it beginning opening night. As of now Coiner and Perry are both penciled in to the #1 and #2 center positions in Hershey.

In my completely unprofessional and unwarranted opinion I would rank them like this:

1. Perreault
2. Johansson
3. Fleischmann
4. Aucoin
5. Laich
6. Eakin

Personally I love watching Perry play and truly believe that he would be a great addition to the Caps. Sure his size is a concern but plenty of smaller players have thrived in recent seasons, Patrick Kane being front and center. His stick handling is unparalleled and his vision on the ice is tremendous. The only flaw in his game it seemed was his strength and endurance which if he spent the summer working on should be much improved.

Selfishly I am hoping they give the spots to Flash and MoJo since we aren't going to see them anyways but I am not convinced Flash is an every game center and I think MoJo would be better served spending a season on the 3rd line between Laich and Fehr.

Eakin would be 3rd if he wasn't still junior eligible. I think they would prefer him to Flash at center but considering they can't send him to Hershey and have to commit in the first 10 games (I think) for the whole season I don't see them keeping him around. If he was AHL eligible he would probably make the opening night roster. But he needs to add more strength as well. He could remain on the Caps for the opening week or so before they send him back just to give him a 'test' run.

Coiner deserves the chance and if this were last season I think he would have had a shot but with MoJo and Perry getting so much better over the past year I think he is stuck in a numbers game. Which is just fine for us in Hershey but unfortunate for Coiner as he would surely love another chance at a full time NHL gig.

Keep an eye on this over the next couple weeks as Hershey's roster could be greatly impacted by the outcome.

Rookie Camp, Matty Hendricks, and More

I don't really have much to report from Caps Rookie camp as I am not there. But the links below should give you some information:

Dustin Stevenson is impressing Corey Masisak

Interview with Caps director of player development Steve Richmond Mike Vogel

5 Rookies to Watch Puckhead's Thoughts

Guys to keep your eye on Ravings of a Rink Rebel

If you are more interested in Caps training camp and what players may or may not make the Caps try these:

Alzner and Perry set for camp Capitals Insider

Caps Training Camp Primer Japer's Rink

And let's welcome back former Bear Matt Hendricks as he has been invited to try out with the Caps during training camp:

Who is Matt Hendricks Rock the Red


Caps camp starts Saturday as all the veterans and rookies will join up for a few weeks. Hershey camp will surely start sometime the following week as the Caps send players to Hershey or back to their junior clubs.

Hockey is back!!

This Sunday marks the beginning of the hockey season. Sure some players have been working out at Kettler for the last few weeks but nothing has officially started.

Until Sunday.

At 10:30am the Capitals Rookie Camp officially kicks off with the first practice of the (almost) week long camp.

24 players (listed below) will be a part of the 2010 camp which will conclude with a scrimmage against the Philadelphia Flyers rookie players on Thursday night.

And then training camp starts on Saturday the 18th for 42 other players on the Caps roster including many players expected to play in Hershey this season.

Rookie Camp Roster:

Goalies:

Philipp Grubauer
Jared DeMichiel
Brandon Anderson

Defense:

Samuel Carrier
Patrick Cullity
Joe Finley
Brett Flemming
Josh Godfrey
Johann Kroll
Zach Miscovic
Dustin Stevenson
Dylan Yeo

Forwards:

Trevor Bruess
David de Kastrozza
Cody Eakin
Stanislav Galiev
Anton Gustafsson
Jake Hauswirth
Marcus Johansson
Nikita Kashirsky
Dmitry Kugryshev
Felix LeFrancois
Garrett Mitchell
Anthony Pisano

2010-2011 Schedule is here!

Finally the AHL released the 2010-11 schedule. You can find Hershey's entire schedule by clicking on this link. Or head over to the AHL site and find it there.

It is a fairly favorable schedule for the Bears to be honest. There are really only 2 tough road trips (as far as travel is concerned anyways) and multiple home stretches where Hershey is basically at home (save a couple trips to New York) for weeks at a time.

Some thoughts:

• Hershey starts the season on the road with 3 straight road games beginning in Wilkes Barre on October 9th.
  
• There are 15 different 3 in 3 weekends and 5 of those are parts of 4 in 5's. That seems like a lot to me but looking at last years schedule it is actually the same 3 in 3 and one less 4 in 5.
• Brutal stretch from March 5 to the 13th. In those 9 days Hershey plays 7 games including their longest road stretch of the season, 4 games. That trip in total will be almost 12oo miles on the road and will go from Hershey (2 home games) to Portland, Worcester, Hartford, and Adirondack before returning to Hershey for 2 more home games.
• Another tough road stretch...February 9 to the 19th. It begins in Manchester on a Wednesday, heads to Providence on Friday, back in Hershey on Saturday, Wilkes Barre on Sunday, to Norfolk on Tuesday, Rochester on Friday before returning to Hershey for Saturday/Sunday home games.

On the good side...

• 2 nice home stretches: January 25 thru February 6 will see Hershey play 8 home games (including 4 straight) with 3 short road trips to New York thrown in. That stretch also includes the AHL All Star game in Hershey.
  
• The other is over Christmas...December 18 to January 2nd where they get 6 at home, including another 4 straight, with only a trip to Pittsburgh to play the Penguins at the new arena on the 30th thrown into the mix.
• Unlike last year Hershey finishes the season at home with 6 of their last 10 games in Hershey.
• The 2 games against Rochester (10/10 and 10/16) will feature throw back uniforms from way back. That will be cool.

And in case you have forgotten...Hershey will host the 2010-11 AHL All Star game and Festivities on January 30-31. This years game finally sees a return to the East vs West format instead of the previously used Canada vs World.

Definitely should be an exciting season. Rookie camp opens in the next few weeks in Washington.

Current Roster

As of today (August 2) this is what Hershey's roster COULD look like come October.

Goalies:

Braden Holtby
Dany Sabourin
Todd Ford
Jared DeMichiel

*players in bold should start season in Hershey*

This was an easy position to figure out. Ford will likely be the first recall option with DeMichiel also getting some time in Hershey potentially.


Defense:

Sean Collins
Brian Fahey
Joe Finley
Josh Godfrey
Patrick McNeill
Zach Miscovic
Dustin Stevenson
Johan Kroll
Dylan Yeo
Patrick Wellar
Lawrence Nycholat

*players in bold are those I expect to start the season in Hershey*

That is 11 defensemen. 4 of them (Kroll, Yeo, Wellar, Nycholat) are on AHL only deals. I would expect at least 8 to be full time in Hershey this season. Obviously though with injuries and call ups all of these players are likely to see some time in Hershey.

The one name that many expected (and maybe still expect) to see on the list is Bryan Helmer. I have not heard anything about him resigning or retiring as of yet. He seemed interested in returning for another season in postseason interviews but who knows. There is still potential for him to come back but he won't play as much as he did the past seasons.


Forwards:

Keith Aucoin
Jay Beagle
Francois Bouchard
Trevor Bruess
Andrew Gordon
Kyle Greentree
Anton Gustafsson
Jake Hauswirth
Andrew Joudrey
Dmitri Kugryshev
Mathieu Perreault
Steve Pinizzotto
Brian Willsie
Boyd Kane
Nikita Kashirsky
Grant McNeill
Joel Rechlicz
Ashton Rome

*players in bold are players I expect to see in Hershey immediately*

That is 18 forwards, 5 of which (last 5 on there) are on AHL only deals. With all the moves being made in Washington I highly doubt any of these players will make the Caps roster out of camp. But if some do it would likely to be Beagle or Willsie as they can both be contributors on multiple lines. Gordon could too but I think they would rather see him score in the AHL for another year.

Of those 18 only 2 are officially listed as left wings, Greentree and Kane. Right wing and center are both stacked with talent while there is lots of other potential on the left side with guys like Hauswirth, Bruess, and Pinner listed simply as 'Forwards'.

Predicting lines is almost impossible at this stage but unless one of them makes the Caps I would be willing to put money on a Greentree, Coiner, Gordon top line.


There will probably be a few more signings before the summer is out. But if not then this is what Hershey will enter the season with. In all honesty I think this roster has just as much potential as last years did. The main difference is last years team was less potential and more actual production. Guys like Giroux, Wilson, Helmer, Alzner, and Carlson were known producers. You didn't have to worry about them.

This year though guys like Gustafsson, Kugryshev, and Hauswirth have tons of potential but haven't proven it as of yet. But there are still the solid production guys too...Greentree and Willsie join the team while Coiner and Gordon are still there.

It is going to be another great season for the Hershey Bears and their fans.

It has been a while...

July was a busy month for me and the Bears with lots of signings and even a minor trade.

So let's get caught up...

~ Hershey signed 2 goalies for the upcoming season. Jared DeMichiel and Todd Ford will likely be suiting up in South Carolina for much of the coming season. Both players add depth in case of injury or call up to Hershey's goaltenders.

Ford spent much of 09-10 in South Carolina racking up an 18-7-2 record with a .910 save percentage and a 2.79 gaa in 29 games. He also played 15 games in the AHL for Manitoba and Texas.

DiMichiel just finished up his college career at R.I.T. where he started 38 games last year posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average while going 27-10-1 for the year.

~Elsewhere Hershey officially added Ashton Rome to the 2010-11 roster. This deal was first reported back in May but apparently only became official this past month. Rome played in 26 games for the Bears this past season, recording 5 goals and 3 assists in those games. Mainly seen as a third or fourth line player he showed a willingness to get his nose dirty and play a very physical game.

~ Boyd Kane will return for another season in Hershey as well. Kane recorded a career high in goals last season with 24 while adding a significant veteran presence to the team. He has played 2 seasons in Hershey, winning Calder Cups in both 05-06 and last season.

~ Dylan Yeo resigned with Hershey for 2010-11 as well. Yeo spent much of last season playing for South Carolina where he recorded 14 goals and 16 assists in 49 games there. Not too bad for a defenseman. He did appear in 6 games for the Bears including 2 in the playoffs.

~ Joel Rechlicz will also be joining the Bears this season. The 6'4" 220lb right wing is an enforcer type player. He played last season for Bridgeport and the NY Islanders collecting a combined 155 penalty minutes in 27 games between the two leagues.

~ Not sure if I mentioned this but forward Nikita Kashirsky was also signed by the Bears for the 2010-11 season. He spent most of 09-10 in South Carolina, recording 19 goals and 16 assists in 39 games for the Stingrays. He also played in 25 games in the AHL for Manitoba and Springfield.

~ Also of note was a recent trade. Stefan Della Rovere was traded to the St. Louis Blues by the Capitals in exchange for tough guy D.J. King. Rovere was always going to play the pest role that Pinizzotto plays right now which made him expendable in the eyes of the organization.


I think I got everything. If I forgot anyone in this post or previous posts please let me know in the comments section.

Signings, Development Camp, and Other News

Lots of activity on the Washington/Hershey front this past week....

• Caps/Bears signed former Cap and Bear Brian Willsie, a right wing, to a one year two way contract. He is expected to play most of the season in Hershey but would likely be given a chance at a call up. Willsie played in Hershey for all or parts of 1998-2003 when the Colorado affiliation was in place. He then spent considerable time in the NHL playing for Colorado, Washington, and Los Angeles. Last season he spent almost the entire year with Lake Erie where he scored 26 goals and added 31 assists.
• Yesterday the Capitals announced that Andrew Gordon, Zach Miscovic, Patrick McNeill and Andrew Joudrey signed their qualifying offers and are back in the organization for another year. In addition Jay Beagle signed his qualifying offer which ties him up for 2 more years.
• Unfortunately Chris Bourque has made it official, he is off to Russia to play in the KHL. He declined to sign the Caps qualifying offer and apparently did not get any/much interest from other teams. He will make much more money playing there and then who knows...we might see him back in the States in a few years.
• Development camp is being held this week in Washington. Tomorrow morning is the end of week scrimmage so if you want to go down that is the time to do it...I think the scrimmage is at 10am. Marcus Johansson is apparently showing off some serious skill and it will definitely warrant a good look at training camp. He and Mathieu Perreault are the leading candidates for the #2 center position with the Caps.

I will have more on the roster moves next week and updates on anything else as well.

Caps (Bears) sign 2, Bears add 1

The Washington Capitals and more likely the Hershey Bears signed 2 players this past week. One will likely fill Alexandre Giroux's spot at left wing on the top line and the other will likely fill one of the many defensive openings. And then the Bears signed another defensemen to an AHL only deal as well.

Kyle Greentree will be the left wing. Last season he played for Rockford in the AHL, totaling 25 goals and 20 assists in 64 games. That was his third season in the AHL and his least productive season. In 07-08 he played with the Philadelphia Phantoms where he had 24 goals and 24 assists in 72 games. In 08-09 he was with the Quad City Flames where he registered 39 goals and 37 assists in 76 games. He has also played in 4 NHL games although he does not have any points.

Greentree is not Giroux and he is not going to replace Giroux's 139 goals over the past 2 seasons. BUT players routinely have career years playing in Hershey and playing with Keith Aucoin. Before coming to Hershey in 06-07 Giroux had a career high of 36 goals in one season. Before playing with Aucoin, Graham Mink's career high in goals was 31 (he hit 32 with Coiner). Before playing with Aucoin this past season, Andrew Gordon's career high in goals was 21 (he scored 37 this year).

Greentree will likely at least come close to his career high of 39 goals and 37 assists. And if he does that he will be one of Hershey's top performers. I can actually see him scoring even more than that if he and Aucoin stay healthy.

The other addition from the Caps side was defenseman Brian Fahey. Fahey is an AHL veteran having played in the league since 03-04. He played 12 games for the Bears that year and has played for 5 other franchises. Most recently he played for the Lake Erie Monsters where he registered 11 goals, 14 assists and 97 penalty minutes in 71 games.

With the Bears losing Karl Alzner, John Carlson and Greg Amadio they are going to need defensemen to step in. Fahey has shown some offensive abilities throughout his career so he should help out in that regard as well.

Hershey also signed former Bear captain Lawrence Nycholat to a one year AHL only deal this week. He spent last season with the Manitoba Moose after spending 08-09 bouncing between the NHL and AHL.

He was a critical member of the 05-06 Calder Cup Championship team and was an important piece the following season before being traded. Like Fahey he will bring a solid offensive component to the table to help replace Carlson. He also brings a certain leadership quality that always helps in the locker room.

Surely the Bears are not done in free agency. For one thing there are still restricted free agents out there including Gordon and Beagle. Surely there will be plenty of news coming over the next couple of weeks.

The Capitals resigned a couple of their restricted free agents this week which closes the door to potential roster spots for Bears. Eric Fehr, Jeff Schultz and Boyd Gordon all signed contracts this past week and will be in Washington next season.

That means there are now 10 forwards and 7 defensemen on the Caps roster next season. Fleischmann is the last RFA that spent considerable time in Washington last season and I would expect to see him get a contract soon.

Obviously there is lots of time left before the opening of training camp and the season but the rosters are starting to take shape. I will have much more next week about the roster. Also the development camp rosters were announced so I will have something on that this weekend or early next week.

Bears being disassembled

Well the Hershey Bears won two Calder Cups with a lineup that most people would have agreed was deeper than any other teams. Consider that Jay Beagle was at times on the 4th line for the Bears and you can see how deep they were.

That is changing...drastically.

Honestly I thought this was going to happen last year but somehow the Bears managed to keep almost all the major players together. So far this week Hershey has lost Jason Bacashihua, Kyle Wilson, Alexandre Giroux, and Greg Amadio.

Obviously everyone sees that list and first notices Giroux's name as the biggest loss. When you score 139 goals in 181 games spread over 2 seasons you will be sorely missed.

But I think the player we will miss most on that list is Kyle Wilson. He wasn't the offensive stud that Giroux was obviously, with 'only' 122 goals over his 4 seasons in Hershey. But did you know that he played in almost every game Hershey played over the past 3 seasons? He missed 3 games this past season due to recall to Washington (where he played 2) over the last 3+ seasons.

He joined Hershey early in 06-07 and played in every game after that. Impressive considering the physical nature of the sport. Some guys (including the goalies now in Washington) struggle to get through 10 games at a time while Wilson played through everything.

He was a constant in Hershey. You knew he was going to be there and you knew he was going to play. Unfortunately he got caught in a numbers game with Washington. As a center he finds himself behind Aucoin, Perreault, Johansson, and maybe even guys like Eakin and Gustaffson on the Caps organizational depth chart.

How, I will never know but he has. Now he gets his chance in Columbus and I for one will be rooting hard to see him get his shot at a full time NHL job.

But back to why this hurts Hershey more than Giroux.

With the Caps not signing a 2nd line center (as of yet) it looks like Perreault could get his shot in the NHL next season. And with other players not resigned or getting picked up Washington could have a spot or two on its fourth line or for players to step in...which could mean Beagle would get an NHL spot too.

That would leave the Bears thin at center with Keith Aucoin and ........ who knows. Trevor Bruess is a center, but he couldn't crack the lineup in the playoffs. Jake Hauswirth is listed as a center but is he ready after one season in the ECHL? Anton Gustaffson will likely get a shot but again he couldn't crack the lineup.

Who is left? Obviously Hershey will be adding some players through free agency but can they compare to what they are going to be losing.

Oh and for those of you waiting for me to list Cody Eakin...he can't play in Hershey next year until his junior season ends. He is only 19 and in order to be eligible for the AHL he must be 20. So...not until 2011-12!

Now don't get me wrong...left wing is an issue too. With Giroux gone and Bourque not likely returning Hershey is very weak on the left side. But they could resign Michael Dubuc and give him a shot on the left side. He is a top talent goal scorer but his defensive end play is weak. But if he plays on the top line with Gordon and Aucoin he could score 30 goals and not have to play too much in his own end.

Any way you look at it Hershey's roster is going to be drastically different this season. So far 4 players have signed elsewhere and there are plenty of free agents left.

Do you all remember the 07-08 season? We all mentioned how 'young' it was all year with players like Wilson, Gordon and Joudrey playing lots of minutes.

The 10-11 Bears will look very similar to them. Guys like Hauswirth, Bruess and Gustaffson will get every chance to play. Add to that Dmitri Kugryshev and Stefan Della Rovere. And pay close attention to the developmental camp being held from July 12-17 in Washington. It would not be surprising to see a few of those players get signed to deals and play some in Hershey this season.

It is going to be a 'rebuilding' year in Hershey. They aren't going to be as deep as last year but you know what might make all the difference...

While the 07-08 veteran/star was Joe Motzko the 10-11 player that will fill that role...Keith Aucoin.

Not a bad presence to have on the top line.



***And good luck to Alexandre Giroux as well. He has played so well in Hershey leading the Bears to two straight Calder Cups it sucks to see him leave.

G, we are all pulling for you to make the Edmonton Oilers roster and get the chance to show the NHL what you can do!***

Cash won't be in Hershey next year

First lets cover this...Jason Bacashihua will not return to Hershey next season. He signed a contract with Colorado and will likely return to Lake Erie where he played in 08-09.

I thought he might come back since Neuvy is headed to Washington and Cash would likely form a 1a/1b tandem with Braden Holtby. But I guess he figured that with all the young talent in Washington's organization that it was a better move for him to go.

He had a good season this year but he didn't play once in the playoffs. I don't blame him for going.

Good Luck Cash!


In his place it is reported that Dany Sabourin has signed with Washington and will play in Hershey alongside Holtby. Sabourin spent some time in Wilkes Barre a few years ago and has a decent amount of NHL experience.

Last season he played 56 games for the Providence Bruins. He finished with a 28-27 record with a 2.67 gaa and a .915 save percentage. Not bad.

Holtby is likely to be the #1 goalie for Hershey but Sabourin will get plenty of opportunities with the AHLs many 3 in 3 weekends.


Now onto what the Caps did yesterday....nothing. And while that, in my opinion and this guys too, is fine for them it is bad for the Bears.

Why? Because with every roster spot that remains open through the summer it becomes increasingly likely that players from Hershey will fill them.

Obviously there is still time for the Caps to do something but let's assume for a second that the decide to stand pat and bring in no additional players via free agency. Then they would be looking to their prospects to fill out their 23 man roster.

That would likely mean players like Mathieu Perreault, Andrew Gordon, Chris Bourque, and Jay Beagle would get long looks in the fall. And it would be likely that at least 1 of them remains there for the season.

There is still lots of time left this summer for both Hershey and Washington to make moves but by standing pat the Caps signaled that they are fine with raiding Hershey for their players next season.

Caps sent qualifying offers...and other news

Before the Monday deadline the Caps sent qualifying offers to their 9 restricted free agents. They include Jay Beagle, Chris Bourque, Andrew Gordon, Patrick McNeill, and Zach Miscovic.

That does NOT mean they will all be back within the organization but it does mean the Caps can match any offer they bring in.

If Bourque signs in Russia, which has been reported and he confirmed that he is TALKING to them, the Caps have no options as there is no agreement between the NHL and KHL for that type of thing.

I would be shocked if the other 4 weren't back in the organization next season and would be really surprised if more than 1 of them weren't in Hershey next year. But you never know.


In other news, Caps GM George McPhee says the team will be active in free agency but don't expect any big news. He also discussed the prospects:

• He hinted that Perreault could be NHL ready and might get the opportunity to play on the 2nd line with Semin. I think that would be the right move.
• He mentioned that the organization thinks Marcus Johannson (09 1st rounder), Cody Eakin, and Evgeny Kuznetsov ('10 1st rounder) might be ready for the NHL in the next season or two.
• He confirmed that the Caps will go with Neuvirth and Varlamov in goal next season. (Again the right move) So in Hershey we will see Holtby and someone Hershey brings in to share the load....hopefully that will be Bacashihua but we will have to wait and see.

Free Agency starts tomorrow...lots of the questions will be answered early on as far as the Caps are concerned. But most of the Bears questions will not be known until later in the month and summer.


One more thing...are you interested in watching the Calder Cup Finals again?? You can this Saturday from 10-6 on NHL Network. They are showing games 3-6 back to back starting at 10am.

Could Hershey lose more players this summer?

I finally managed to get through all the photos we took at last Monday's Calder Cup clinching game. Unfortunately I have been unable to get the uploaded here. If you go to the Facebook page (link on the right) and visit the photos section you can see them.

We already know (all but definitely) that John Carlson and Karl Alzner are likely to be playing in Washington next season on a permanent basis. And it looks likely that Michal Neuvirth will join Semyon Varlamov in a Capitals uniform as well. That's 3 Bears that won't be in Hershey next season.

Will there be more?

I would say the answer to that is likely to be...yes there will be more.

As of this moment the Caps have 8 forwards, 6 defensemen (including Alzner and Carlson), and 2 goalies (including Neuvy).

So that leaves an opening for anywhere from 4-6 forwards and 1-2 defensemen to make the roster next fall.

But most important to the Capitals is probably a second line center. Tomas Fleischmann and his agent are hoping the Caps think he is the missing link. But he is going to have to improve on his 43% faceoff win percentage.

And he is going to have to agree to a contract. While the two sides are talking there appears to be nothing imminent. However, if a contract is not agree upon it is expected that Flash would choose arbitration in order to get a one year contract.

So while it is likely that Flash is in Washington next season, unless he is traded, the question is...is he the answer at center?

I think Flash is as talented as anyone but he seems to lack the killer instinct that makes all the greats great. He doesn't seem to have an overwhelming need to be the best. He has surely worked extensively on his game and had his best season in the NHL with 23 goals and 28 assists in 69 games. But there is still need for improvement.

Sure he could be the answer at center but personally I think there is another player in the organization that deserves a shot.

Mathieu Perreault had a great year. In Hershey he played 56 games, scoring 16 goals and adding 34 assists during the regular season. In the playoffs he added 7 more goals and 12 assists in 21 games. Add to those numbers 21 games played in Washington where he totaled 4 goals and 5 assists.

He didn't exactly light the league on fire with offense but he proved that he does have the ability to contribute there. Part of his problem then was how he was used and experiencing an unknown. He is a playmaking center that needs to be on one of the two top lines. He isn't going to be effective as a 3rd line center. It was also his first taste of the NHL which for a 22 year old, 5'8", 166lb 6th round draft pick that is pretty big.

In Hershey he was at times dominant. No one on the Bears was as good at handling and controlling the puck like Perry. He seems to be able to do just about anything he wants with it.

He is willing to dig in the corners, rarely takes big hits, can maneuver away from anyone and in the playoffs showed a willingness to go to the front of the net looking for rebounds and deflections.

His size is the main thing standing in his way. But small forwards have thrived in recent years, Patrick Kane and Martin St. Louis come to mind immediately. I think Perry could be another one.

If he spends the summer getting a little thicker and stronger and works on his shot and goal scoring I really think Perry could get extensive time in Washington next year.

That would make 4 players from the Bears in Washington next season...will there be others?

It is surely possible.....

Change is in the air

Well the season is over and free agency begins in less than 2 weeks so it is already time to start discussing next season.

Who is under contract and who isn't for 2010-11? Well let me tell you:

First lets look at players who are unrestricted free agents...meaning they can sign anywhere they want on July 1:

• Alexandre Giroux
• Bryan Helmer
• Kyle Wilson
• Andrew Joudrey
• Boyd Kane
• Greg Amadio
• Jason Bacashihua
• Simon Ferguson
• Dylan Yeo
• Michael Dubuc

Not too bad a list but some big names. The two biggest (offensively speaking) are Wilson and Giroux.

First lets talk about Giroux...

I know I was saying this last year and he came back but I don't see Giroux in Hershey next season. Why? Because the Caps aren't interested anymore. He got to play 9 games for the Caps this season and they weren't very impressed. If he wants to play in the NHL I think it will have to be with someone else. He has said that if it was all about money he would already be in Europe so maybe he stays to win again.

Now to Wilson...

One of my favorite players honestly. A very good offensive player and has been in Hershey for parts of 4 seasons now. Unfortunately for Kyle he is now considered a Vet. He has played in 291 regular season games in professional leagues. AHL teams are only allowed to dress 6 players on any given night that have played 260+. But Hershey only has 1 under contract right now, Keith Aucoin, that is a vet so that doesn't hurt too much at this point but considering other free agents they want to sign who knows. The bigger issue is does Washington want to keep him around? He would have to clear waivers to go up and down and he plays center...a position of depth within the organization. He got to play in his first 2 NHL games this season and had 2 assists. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go either way.

Names most likely to see return next season from that list:

Helmer, Joudrey, and Kane. None will be 2 way deals but I think all 3 would be happy to return to Hershey. Kane and Helmer are both veterans which would hurt other veterans like Wilson and Amadio. Joudrey is just a great defensive forward who will add a goal from time to time. Constant hustle and great penalty killing likely get him another go in Hershey if he wants it.

The team would surely like to have Bacashihua back but he is looking to be a number 1 goalie somewhere and that won't happen in Hershey unless there are injuries.


Now lets look at the restricted free agents. If these players are offered qualifying offers by the 28th of June they can still sign with another team but the Caps have the right to match any offer and would receive compensation for them if they sign elsewhere. If they do NOT receive qualifying offers by the 28th they become unrestricted free agents:

• Chris Bourque
• Patrick McNeill
• Andrew Gordon
• Jay Beagle
• Zach Miscovic

I can all but guarantee that McNeill, Beagle, and Miscovic will be back. Neither Beagle or Miscovic would have to clear waivers so they can go up and down freely and McNeill showed a lot of growth this year and I don't think the Caps will let him get away.

The other two though are more interesting. I think Gordon gets an offer because he has a legitimate shot at making the Caps next season but he has to clear waivers to come to Hershey so don't be surprised if we don't see him in Hershey again.

Bourque is the most interesting case though. First of all he is a veteran, having played in 352 games so far in his career. Second he had an outstanding year in Hershey. The question is...do the Caps think he can play for them? If so then you can watch him play for the Caps but it isn't likely you will see him Hershey because he probably won't clear waivers. The other possibility with Bourque is trade-bait. His value will probably never be higher than it is right now so the Caps might sign him to trade him at the draft.


So who is left for the Bears next season?

These players are under contract with Hershey/Washington for 10-11:

• Braden Holtby
• Michael Neuvirth
• John Carlson
• Sean Collins
• Karl Alzner
• Keith Aucoin
• Steve Pinizzotto
• Francois Bouchard
• Mathieu Perreault
• Stefan Della Rovere
• Anton Gustafsson
• Trevor Bruess
• Josh Godfrey
• Joe Finley
• Dmitry Kugryshev
• Cody Eakin
• Dustin Stevenson
• Jake Hauswirth

Who is most likely to make the Caps from that list...Carlson, Alzner and Neuvirth are probably locks assuming the Caps don't sign a goalie. But after that Perreault or Coiner could get a shot but not likely both of them if either. Everyone else (except Eakin) will see time in Hershey next season. Eakin is not yet 20 which makes him ineligible to play in the AHL until after his junior season ends.

I will have much more on this list next week.


And finally here are the players under contract with Hershey next season...they are not 2 way deals with the Caps:

• Johann Kroll
• Ashton Rome
• Grant McNeill
• Patrick Wellar
• Nikita Kashirsky

Those players will likely spend time in Hershey next season. Kashirsky, for those of you that don't know (like me), is a forward that spent time in South Carolina last year and was loaned to Syracuse and Manitoba for parts of the season.


I will have much more about the players on Hershey's roster and potentially on Hershey's roster next week. It is a very intriguing offseason because the Caps actually have some spots open this season unlike last year.

In addition to that the Caps have alot of players becoming free agents after next season so that has to factor into their decision this year on players like Bourque, Gordon, Beagle, and Wilson. They might need a couple of them in 2011-12.

HISTORICAL SEASON

What a season! From the first drop of the puck back in October until the Cup was raised on Monday night the Bears completed what is arguably the greatest season ever for an AHL team!

I didn't get down to Giant Center last night for the celebration but I found the below picture to be quite amusing. The goalie just looks out of place! (I borrowed this picture from Pennlive.com and Patriot News photographer Chris Knight)

It was definitely a championship season to celebrate! Hershey was picked to win before the season started and managed to follow through on all the hype and all the potential.

All season long they broke records and separated themselves from the other teams in the league.

Overall the Bears broke 11 club records and 6 AHL records.

Here are the records that were set this season (records with * are also AHL Records):

• 60 Wins*
• 123 Points
• 34 Home Wins*
• 26 Road Wins
• 12 Consecutive Wins
• 24 Consecutive Home Wins*
• 2 100+ point scorers (Alexandre Giroux and Keith Aucoin)
• 8 Overtime Wins in the Playoffs*
• 3 Overtime games in one playoff series (Albany and Manchester)
• 8 Consecutive playoff series won*
• 380,791 Regular Season Attendance

And...

the 11th Calder Cup in Franchise History...still more than any other franchise in AHL History!!

They also became the first team in AHL history to lose their first 2 games of the Calder Cup finals at home and still win the Cup!

AND they are the first team to repeat as Calder Cup Champs under the current playoff format which requires a team to win 4 series and 16 games.

Can Hershey become the first team since the 59-62 Springfield Indians to win 3 straight Calder Cups???

Who knows but one thing is certain...we will all be around to see them try next season!!

LET'S GO BEARS!!!

**Check back later this week as I promise to get all (or some) of the pictures I took on Monday night up on the site.

**And definitely keep checking in as our focus turns to the 2010-2011 season and what that team might look like. Lots will be happening in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

That's 11!!!

YOUR 2010 CALDER CUP CHAMPION
HERSHEY BEARS!!!!!

Wow...what a game, what an atmosphere!!

11,002 fans in the building tonight and it sure sounded like it. I have never heard that building that loud and I have seen musical acts in there too!

Earlier today I was talking to my dad and I said it would be 3-0 after 1 period and I wasn't far off. In 05-06 and in 08-09 they jumped out to big leads and took much of the suspense away.

Thankfully they did that again tonight. Not sure how many of us would have liked seeing a close game. It was perfect just how it was.

4 goals...all by defensemen (Alzner, Carlson and 2 for McNeill)! Neuvirth was amazing yet again making 22 saves and earning his FIRST shutout of the postseason in the biggest game of the postseason!

Without question that was the most dominating performance of the postseason for the Bears. From the opening faceoff they controlled the play and honestly the outcome was rarely in question. In the first period alone Hershey outshot the Texas Stars 17-4!

This was the same team on the same ice that 9 days ago couldn't get 3 shots in the first period of game 1!!

I would challenge anyone to recall a game this entire SEASON where the Bears dominated like they did in period 1 tonight. And to do it in the biggest game, with all the emotion in the building and the expectations.....unreal!

Getting to see the Cup given to Helmer on home ice was special. Seeing all the players pass it around and spend time with their families...awesome!

This team just completed the unquestioned single greatest season in AHL history!!

Let that sink in for a while.....

Congrats to the Bears!!! Enjoy the celebration!!!

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!

**I will have plenty more analysis, celebration, and pictures in the coming days...between my wife and I we took something like 500 pictures so there will be plenty to sort through**

Bears can clinch tonight!

Let's start this off right...



Does that get you pumped up?

No...then consider this...

the Calder Cup WILL BE IN THE BUILDING TONIGHT!!

11,000 fans...many of which wrote the Bears off after game 2...will fill the Giant Center!

Just stop and think about what it will be like in just over 9 hours tonight. Hell it will probably start around 5 this evening!!

Personally I am getting chills just thinking about the atmosphere. I will be in section 105 tonight and I hope I can't talk by the end of the game!

THIS could happen again tonight...except this time in front of 11,000 screaming Bears fans....



Tonight we chant....




Tonight the Bears complete the single greatest season in AHL history!!

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!

What a game!

Now that was playoff hockey! If you watched game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and enjoyed the 6-5 game then you probably didn't like last night's game too much. But personally a great 1-1 game with back and forth action, big shots, big saves, and big hits is much more entertaining.

And that is what last night produced. Hershey trailed yet again in the first period 1-0 and while they were getting a good number of shots they couldn't seem to get anything by Matt Climie. Then in the 2nd coming out of a power play, Francois Bouchard beat Climie to tie the game up at 1.

From then on it was back and forth hockey. Both teams sustained pressure, both teams got some good chances, and both goalies came up huge on more than one occasion.

Hershey seemed to be getting more and many times better chances throughout the third period but couldn't quite get the winner.

The teams played into overtime for the first time this series where Hershey was actually out shot 9-6 but ended up getting the winner from Alexandre Giroux.

Honestly I thought Giroux was forcing things too much this series...trying to beat guys with skating and stick handling instead of getting shots or getting the puck deep. I think this explains why he has been held scoreless against a goaltender.

Until last night.

A puck bouncing around and knocked up in the air twice was corralled by the winger as he came in uncovered and put the puck through Climie's 5-hole for the game winner.

Awesome goal...Awesome game.

The Bears are now 8-1 in overtime games this postseason and their 8 game winning goals have been scored by 8 different players. Giroux, Andrew Joudrey, Chris Bourque, Kyle Wilson, Mathieu Perreault, Jay Beagle, and Francois Bouchard are the 8 guys with game winners in OT.

That is impressive.



Now the series shifts back to Hershey on Monday night with both teams trying to complete historic series wins.

If the Bears win the Cup they will be the 1st team in AHL history to lose the first 2 games of a Finals at home and still come back to win.

If the Stars are to win the Cup they will become only the 2nd team in AHL history to lose a game 5 when the series is tied 2-2 and still manage to win the Cup.

Who knows. Both teams have a shot. So far every game in the series has been won by the road team which favors Texas. Hershey is not your typical home team having only lost 3 times at Giant Center since November but Texas obviously isn't worried about that as they are responsible for 2 of those.

The Stars have been in this situation before. In the Western Conference Finals they were trailing 3 games to 2 when the series shifted to Hamilton for games 6 and 7. Well they obviously managed to win those 2 games because they are here now.

Can they do it again...this time for the Calder Cup? Or will Hershey win their 11th Cup?

All I know is that last Saturday's home game in Hershey was probably the quietest sold out crowd ever in that building.

Do you think it will be louder this Monday?

Hershey has a chance to do what they haven't done since 1980...win the Calder Cup on home ice in front of their home fans.

The past 4 games of the series have seen new records for attendance at each building. Last Saturday stands as the highest attendance in Giant Center and each of the 3 games in Texas was a new record.

I am pretty sure you can count on a new record on Monday. EVERYONE will be there.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!!