Chris Bourque Scores Game Winner in Return to Hershey

HERSHEY, PA – Chris Bourque celebrates his game winning goal in overtime against Hartford on Saturday night.(Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

The last time Chris Bourque wore the Bears sweater in Giant Center was 1,275 days ago, playing in game 4 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs in 2012. He scored an empty net goal in Hershey’s win that game.

Saturday night, Bourque again scored the last goal of the game, but this time it was a game winner. “It was a perfect fitting to the game,” head coach Troy Mann said. Bourque scored in overtime to give Hershey the win over his former team, Hartford, on the power play.

“Great win for the team,” said Bourque, “coming back home for the first home game of the season that’s kind of the way you want to start off. Obviously playing against your old team you want to play well. It’s a good ending to a pretty good game.”

The overtime game was a first look at the new 3-on-3 style of play that replaces the seven minute 4-on-4 to 3-on-3 rule from last year. “I love it,” Bourque commented. “It’s a lot of action. I think it’s a lot of fun to watch for the fans. As an offensive player I love it.”

The return to Giant Center for the 29-year-old was a homecoming that won’t soon be forgotten. “It’s my favorite place to play. The fans are so passionate. Pulling that jersey over your head is an honor. It’s such a historic franchise; I really feel like I know what it means to be a Bear. I take a lot of pride in it. It’s good to be back.”