Joel Rechlicz, Dane Byers re-sign with the Hershey Bears

HERSHEY, PA – Joel Rechlicz, seen here at the Hershey Bears award ceremony, is returning to Hershey for a fourth season in the Chocolate and White sweater (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

Wednesday afternoon, the Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears announce they have re-signed Joel Rechlicz and Dane Byers for the 2013-14 season.

Rechlicz has been a fan favorite in Hershey. He returned to the Capitals organization in a trade with Phoenix last season. Rechicz had 154 penalty minutes last season with Hershey and Portland. Rechlicz has also seen action in 26 NHL games with Washington and the New York Islanders. It’s likely that Rechlicz will see more playing time with new coach Mike Haviland, as the Bears try and establish a tougher more physical brand of hockey.

The Bears have also re-signed veteran winger Dane Byers. The 27-year-old veteran came to Hershey last last season from Oklahoma City.

Hershey has been very busy this off season already with the hiring of Haviland as new head coach, and resigning of Jeff Taffe and T.J. Syner along with Rechlicz and Byers.