Dustin Gazley re-signs with Hershey for the 2017-18 season

On Thursday, the Hershey Bears announced that they have re-signed forward Dustin Gazley to a one-year contract.

Gazley missed most of the 2016-2017 due to a fractured foot sustained during his first game of the season. He would only see action in 15 combined games in the regular and postseason games with a total of two points.

The 29-year-old has played in 207 AHL games, so he does not qualify for veteran status. During his time as a Bear, Gazley has racked up 85 points (41 Goals, 44 Assists).

Gazley returns for his fifth season in a Chocolate and White sweater.

Press release:

(Hershey, PA- July 13, 2017)-The Hershey Bears announced today that the club has re-signed forward Dustin Gazley to a one-year, American Hockey League contract. The announcement was made by Vice President of Hockey Operations, Bryan Helmer.

“We’re excited to welcome Dustin Gazley back for the 2017-18 season,” said Helmer. “With his injury, we missed Dustin’s contributions greatly last season. He’s a guy who adds a great deal of speed to our lineup and has proven to our coaching staff he can provide a scoring punch and be a reliable player. He is a strong addition to our forward group as we continue to improve our roster.”

Gazley, 28, has appeared in 178 games with Hershey over the past four seasons, recording 85 points (41 goals, 44 assists) and a plus/minus rating of +25. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound winger has also racked up 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 38 playoff games with Hershey.

The native of Novi, Michigan missed the majority of the 2016-17 season due to injury. In his first game of the season on Oct. 23, Gazley suffered a fractured foot and did not return to the lineup until Mar. 31. He scored one goal in three regular season games, and skated in all 12 of Hershey’s playoff games, scoring one goal.

Gazley has played in 207 career AHL games with Hershey and Binghamton, scoring 94 points. Prior to advancing to the AHL, Gazley was a member of the ECHL All-Rookie Team, ECHL First All-Star Team, and was the ECHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2011-12 with the Elmira Jackals. During the 2011-12 campaign, he led the ECHL in assists (60) and points (85). The former Michigan State University star was also named to the 2012-13 ECHL All-Star Game.