Hershey Bears Split First Two Games in Norfolk to Kick-Off Season

Kris Newbury, seen here during a game last season, leads the AHL in scoring with five points after two games. (Kyle Mace – Chocolate Hockey, file.)

The Bears are being scheduled tested right out of the gate this season. The first five and 9 of the first 11 games are on the road, including two trips to New England starting this weekend. Then the schedule takes an opposite turn with 10 of the following 13 games at Giant Center. That means a good start on the road will be of even more importance to the Chocolate and White.

The Bears got off to that good start this past weekend in Norfolk, splitting two games with the Admirals at The Scope. The Bears lost their opener in Norfolk 5-4, despite out shooting the Admirals and giving up two shorthanded goals. The Bears never trailed in game two, beating Norfolk 5-2 in their only Monday game of the season.

“Very happy with both games,” said Coach Troy Mann. “We played much better defensively the second game. I thought we played with good pace. I like our team speed. We didn’t like giving up the two short handed goals.

Our puck movement on the power play was very good both games. I can’t complain. We got the split and could have come home with more.”

Kris Newbury is already the leading the league in scoring with three goals and two assists for Hershey.

The Bears play in Springfield on Saturday night, followed by a Sunday afternoon game in Hartford.