2019-20 Season Preview
As the Bears set the stage to open their 82nd season tonight at the Giant Center, the roster was finalized Thursday. Of the 26-man roster, 19 men are returning or previously played for the Bears, while they welcome seven newcomers.
The Returners
Of the 26 names announced, many are returning from last season. Those include:
Forwards
- Axel Jonsson-Fjallby
- Shane Gerisch
- Beck Malenstyn
- Chris McCarthy
- Liam O’Brien
- Garrett Pilon
- Brian Pinho
- Mike Sgarbossa
- Joe Snively
- Steve Whitney
Defensemen
- Kristofers Bindulis
- Tobias Geisser
- Connor Hobbs
- Lucas Johansen
- Bobby Nardella
- Colby Williams
Goaltenders
- Vitek Vanecek
Of these 17, there shouldn’t be too many surprises; however, two unexpected players were sent to Hershey from Washington via Waivers
The Unexpected
Christian Djoos
Despite Djoos’s role in the Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup run, the 25 year-old defenseman will see AHL action for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. While the Bears are happy to welcome Djoos to their roster, the move also buries roughly $1.075 million in cap hit for Washington. Djoos is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. In place of Djoos, Martin Fehérváry and Jonas Siegenthaler remain in Washington.
Pheonix Copley
In similar fashion, goaltender Pheonix Copley finds himself back in Hershey after a one-year hiatus. Underrated out of Michigan Tech, Copley saw time in 27 NHL games last season. Due to a strong training camp, Copley finds himself in Hershey in place of Ilya Samsonov, who started 37 games for Hershey last
The Newcomers
Kale Kessy
Kessy spent time last season with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL and the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads. A 6’3 winger, Kessy is known for his physical play. In just 35 games in Idaho last season, Kessy managed to rack up 289 penalty minutes, including 22 combined fights between both leagues. In fact, Kessy found himself in the box again in the Bear’s home preseason game against Wilkes-Barre, after dropping the gloves against Renars Krastenbergs.
Brett Leason
Drafted in the second round of this year’s entry draft is Brett Leason. Leason caught fire in the WHL last season with the Prince Albert Raiders, posting 36 goals in 55 games, and a total of 89 points. The 6’4 right winger should help the Bears offensively with his quick release and quick hands. Leason is capable of getting off shots and creating scoring chances in tight areas.
Philippe Maillet
After spending the past three years in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, Hershey welcomes Philippe Maillet. Showing promise at the University of New Brunswick, Maillet carried over his game well to the AHL. Posting 54 points in 68 games last season, Maillet should be able to provide depth and move up and down the lineup for the Bears as a young center.
Matt Moulson
It’s Matt Moulson. What else needs to be said? At 35 years-old, after 650 career NHL games, Moulson spent the last two seasons with Maillet and the Ontario Reign. Moulson looks to continue to rack up points on the wing, and act as a veteran role model for some of the younger players on and off the ice.
Alexander Alexeyev
With their 2018 first round pick, Washington elected to select 6’4 left-handed defenseman Alexander Alexeyev. Alexeyev isn’t afraid to put the puck on net and create offensive opportunities. He moves the puck well and should help transition from the defensive zone to offense. In his draft analysis, Bob McKenzie projects Alexeyev to need a year or so in the minors to physically mature before he may be ready for NHL action.
Erik Burgdoerfer
A 30 year-old defenseman from Abington, Pennsylvania, Burgdoerfer joins the Bears from Ottawa’s AHL affiliate the Belleville Senators. Undrafted, he brings 317 games of AHL experience. Burgdoerfer is expected to and capable of playing all roles on the Bears blue line. Expect him to rack up a lot of minutes and kill penalties.
Alternate Captains
The Bears have officially announced the four alternate captains for this season. Although, they are subject to change with someone being named Captain later in the season. Right now the Bears will stick with the four alternates they have. Liam O’Brien and Erik Burgdoefer will wear an “A” at home. While on the road, Matt Moulson and Mike Sgarbossa will sport the “A”. Liam O’Brien and Mike Sgarbossa are both returning to their roles as alternates from last season.
