Hershey can’t complete the comeback, lose 3-2

Several players examine their shiny, new rings.

How does that saying go? If you don’t have anything nice to say…

It wasn’t the way Hershey intended for the game to go. I guess it’s only fitting that Rochester ruined Hershey’s home opener after Hershey ruined theirs. Perhaps inspired by the memories of last season, the Bears played with energy and came out strong…for the first five minutes. Then they seemed to lose all of their passion and energy until the last five minutes. Alright, let’s try and look at the positives:

Brian Willsie had a good night. He scored the first goal of the night and got an assist on Andrew Gordon’s goal. Outside the score sheet, he was pulling some fancy moves around the Rochester defense. It’s hard to really analyze how Dany Sabourin did in his first game as a Hershey Bear. He only faced 15 shots and stopped 12 of them. However, it’s hard to fault him when he was screened the entire night. Hershey’s defenders need to be better about clearing the goal crease.

Hershey put together another fantastic ceremony to celebrate the organization’s 11th Calder Cup Championship. Personally, I loved the video they played before introducing the 2010-2011 team. The video panned around a virtual Giant Center filled with players and moments from the past season.

One by one, the players were announced and the members of last year’s team received their rings. They all huddled together, studying every facet of their new bling.

The big news of the night involved Hershey legend, Mitch Lamoureux, who is going to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame. The announcement warranted a standing ovation from the jam-packed Giant Center. Congratulations to Mitch!

Tonight’s Notes:

• Michael Nylander scored the second goal for Rochester. Somehow he still finds a way to drive the Caps organization nuts…
• This was the first time that I’ve seen Sheldon Souray‘s shots in person. It did not disappoint. The sound alone scared me. And none of the Americans seemed willing to try and block them.
• Sabourin likes playing the puck a little too much for my taste. He left his crease during some risky moments. I think he could use a leash to tie him to his goal post.
• Gordon has now scored three games in a row. He also has at least one point in every game so far. That’s one streak I can get behind.
• Despite the loss, how good did it feel to cheer with fellow Bears fans again? WOO!
• Former AHL President, Jack Butterfield, passed away Saturday morning. The arena took part in a touching moment of silence for him. He will be missed.

Actual three stars of the game:

1. Jacob Markstrom (RCH)
2. Brian Willsie (HER)
3. Joe Callahan (RCH)

Sweetest Hockey On Earth’s three stars of the game:

1. Willsie: goal and assist
2. Gordon: goal
3. Aucoin: assists on both goals

If you were at the game tonight, be sure to send your photos and reports to thecrew@chocolatehockey.com for our full coverage post!

Video Highlights:

Some more photos from the home opener:

Hershey’s hardware

I’ll never get tired of seeing this trophy in our building.

The newest addition to the rafters.

Sabourin makes his Hershey debut.

Celebrating a happy moment after Gordon’s goal.