Hershey Fights for a Cure While Defeating Bingo, 3-2

The Hershey Bears celebrate in their breast cancer awareness jerseys. Photo by Kyle Mace.

The weekend had a rough start for the Bears after they dropped two games on the road. Today was their chance to salvage it with another game against the defending Calder Cup Champs, the Binghamton Senators. They donned special pink and white jerseys that were auctioned off post-game for breast cancer awareness.

Thanks to Graham Mink and the power play unit, the Bears were off to a good start. It was an early penalty against the Senators as Francis Lessard was whistled for hooking. Keith Aucoin dished out a crisp pass right to Mink in his office in front of Mike McKenna.

That was the only goal in the first period but it wasn’t the only excitement. I think we all knew this was coming but old fight buddies, Francis Lessard and Joel Rechlicz, dropped the gloves. As is expected from these guys, the bout was long and a fairly even battle. When the officials finally separated them, Rechlicz ripped off Lessard’s helmet, which had stayed on the entire time. Rechlicz was yelling for more as they were escorted to the penalty boxes. You may remember (as I’m sure Rechlicz does) what Lessard did to Rechlicz’s face last season.

The Bears had a strong showing in the second period as well. First, Boyd Kane scored off of his own rebound. Then, the Bears scored on the power play once again. Mink faked out McKenna and set up Jacob Micflikier who was closing in back door and slammed it home.

The Senators finally put a number on the board late in the period. Wacey Hamilton scored his first professional goal with just 53 seconds left in the second period.

The third period was quiet until the very end. Bingo racked up another goal by crashing the net and coverting a rebound past Braden Holtby. It was a one goal game once again and it made for some tense moments. Thankfully, they held on to the lead and Hershey won 3-2.

Tonight’s Notes:

• In just his second game of the season, Paul Baier got in his first fight as a Hershey Bear. He fought Mark Borowiecki and put up some nice punches to get the team pumped early.
• With a goal tonight, Boyd Kane now has points in six straight games.
• During a second period power play, the B-Sens had a short-handed chance. Dmitry Orlov was the only one back and he didn’t even have his stick. But he didn’t let that stop him and he delivered a huge hipcheck to send the Senator flying.
• After having a less-than-great showing for the special teams, they redeemed themselves tonight by scoring on two of six power plays and stopping all three Bingo power plays.
• Braden Holtby showed off a new mask tonight. You can see Kyle’s photos and a description over at Russian Machine Never Breaks.
• And, finally, Happy Birthday to Sean Collins, who is still in Washington on recall.

Video Highlights:

Lines and Pairings:

Bourque – Aucoin – Mink
Kane – Eakin – Micflikier
Carroll – Sjogren – Ford
Bouchard – Hanson – Rechlicz

McNeill – Miskovic
Orlov – Flemming
Brouillette – Baier

Three stars of the game:

1. Jacob Micflikier (HER)
2. Graham Mink (HER)
3. Keith Aucoin (HER)

More Photos from Kyle Mace.

Paul Baier and Mark Borowiecki battle on the ice.

Mike McKenna can’t stop Graham Mink’s shot.

Joel Rechlicz will not be slowed down even if you forget to take off your visor.

The shot from Boyd Kane floats past McKenna.

Kane gives props to his linemate, Cody Eakin.

Jacob Micflikier aims and fires.

The team celebrates Micflikier’s game-winning goal.