Hershey Bears Sign NHL Veteran Scott Gomez to PTO
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The Hershey Bears announced Thursday they have signed NHL veteran Scott Gomez to a professorial tryout contract. Gomez, 36, makes his first ever appearance in the AHL after over a thousand games in the NHL. His last stint was with the St. Louis Blues in 2015-16 where be played 21 games, scoring one goal and eight points.
This signing helps fill Hershey’s gaping hole at center. Chandler Stephenson was ruled out this next weekend by Troy Mann on Sunday, and Zach Sill is still in Washington. Hershey is working with two true centers right now with Carter Camper and Travis Boyd, along with converted center Nathan Walker. “It gives [Scott] an ideal opportunity,” Bears general manager Doug Yingst said. “And it certainly gives our franchise an ideal opportunity to see him and fill out that spot.”
“It would be my perception that he would like to get back to the NHL. Conditioning seems really good so there’s no time table set for anything. We’ll see how things play out. We welcome him here in Hershey.”
Gomez in 1,066 games in the NHL has a scoring line of 181 goals, 574 assists for 755 points. He joins the team now as the oldest player on roster at 36-years-old. The Alaska native played for Team USA in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. He has not played since December 27, 2015.
“He’s responsible, dependable, a leader, and winner. You can’t lose by trying.”
Hershey has a scheduled three-in-three this weekend, but Bears head coach Troy Mann said Gomez will not play Friday’s game against Lehigh Valley, but is expected to play both home games this weekend.
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Do you think Gomez is going to be signed to an AHL contract eventually and stay with the Bears the rest of the year or is this a short term two week deal? I know he signed a tryout contract but I was wondering what you think will ultimately happen.