Scott Gomez Released from Tryout Contract with Hershey

Centerman Scott Gomez has been released from his professional tryout contract by the Hershey Bears, the club announced Tuesday.

Gomez, 36, played in only 18 of the possible 25 games available on the PTO. Through those 18 games, Gomez scored four goals and 20 assists for 24 points. A major key in the revival of Hershey’s power play, the 16-year veteran spent his last games as a Bear paired up with Capitals prospects Riley Barber and Nathan Walker.

Since his arrival, Gomez was huge in helping out the young players of Hershey, as the NHL veteran guided some of Washington’s prospects in practices and even games.

The loss now puts Hershey at five veterans and no longer puts Hershey in the position where they need to scratch a veteran each night.

Press release from the team:

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Bears announced today that forward Scott Gomez has exercised his option for release from his professional tryout agreement. The announcement was made by Bears President/General Manager Doug Yingst.

“This was a mutual decision agreed upon between Scott and the Hershey Bears,” Yingst said. “He could not have been a more motivational and encouraging leader to our younger players, and a mentor for our veteran players. Scott knows that the door is always open in Hershey for him.”

Gomez, 36, racked up 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in just 18 games with the Bears, ranking fourth on the team in assists. His play contributed to the Bears’ fast charge up the Atlantic Division ladder to the top of the division.

“Gomez was an impact player for our team in every way possible,” Mann said. “He added to our offensive game, quarterbacked a power play that has been a work in progress all season and was a tremendous person on and off the ice during his entire stay here. It was an honor to coach him.”

Gomez, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, has dressed in 1,066 National Hockey League regular-season games with the Devils, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Blues. He has amassed 755 points (181 goals, 574 assists) over parts of 16 seasons, and added 101 points (29 goals, 72 assists) in 149 career Stanley Cup playoff contests. Gomez was a member of the Devils’ 2000 and 2003 Stanley Cup championship teams, won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1999-2000 as the league’s rookie of the year and played in the 2000 and 2008 NHL All-Star games.

Internationally, Gomez was a member of Team USA at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games held in Turin, Italy. He also represented Team USA at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.