Braden Holtby’s 35 Saves Blanks Norfolk, 4-0

HERSHEY, PA – Ryan Potulny scores to give Hershey a 2-0 lead in their win over Norfolk (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

December 19 marks such an important day for hockey fans not only across Central PA, but across the nation. December 19 marked the 76th birthday of Hershey Park Arena, as well as the anniversary of the birth of the National Hockey League. On December 19, 1917, four teams played the first ever NHL games. But on December 19, 2012, seven members were inducted into the new Hershey Bears Hall of Fame prior to a 4-0 shutout win over the Norfolk Admirals.

Hershey opened up the scoring 11:35 into the opening period. Mattias Sjogren deflected a Julien Brouillette shot to give the Bears an early lead. They would keep that lead intact for the rest of the stanza against Norfolk.

The 1-0 lead stood until there was 5:37 remaining in the middle frame. Despite not being allowed a shot until the eleventh minute of the frame, Ryan Potulny cashed in on a juicy rebound to give Hershey a 2-0 lead. Braden Holtby continued to deny every chance he faced, not allowing an Admirals strike through 40 minutes.

On the power play with 5:18 left in regulation, Tomas Kundratek added the explanation for Hershey. He secured a 3-0 when he trailed a 3-on-2 rush, and shot a drop pass from Jon DiSalvatore. Boyd Kane tacked on a power play goal with 9.1 seconds left to salt the Norfolk wound.

Holtby continued to keep the door shut the rest of the way, in a 4-0 shutout win over Norfolk.

More photos from tonight’s game

Mattias Sjogren celebrates his first period goal

DAAAAAA BEARS