Keith Aucoin Makes Grand Return to Hershey

Keith Aucoin playing for Toronto Sunday night in Hershey (Photo by Kyle Mace)

Keith Aucoin may be in a different uniform, but Hershey Bears fans treated him like he still wore the chocolate and white on Sunday night. Aucoin returned to Hershey for the first time since signing with Toronto in the off season. Aucoin got an ovation every time his name was announced and even when he took the ice in warmups.

Aucoin had two assists in the Marlies 4-2 loss to Hershey. He is currently the leading scorer for Toronto. Toronto is currently in 4th place in the Western Conference North division.

“You have a lot of media there. It’s obviously all about hockey. We’re on Leafs TV. They have Marlies Hour every night. They give us a lot of press. They put a lot of pressure on us to do well.”

The future AHL Hall of Famer made the move to Toronto because he felt it would be easier on his family, if the AHL affiliate was in the same city as the NHL team , if he were going back and forth during the season.

“I’m happy with the decision. I went there with the thought I’d be able to make the big club. The lockout changed everything. But it’s worked out good. We’ve got a great group of guys. My wife and son like it there. It’s the first time we’ve lived in a big city, so it’s a little different.”

But coming back to Hershey was a real treat for the man who helped the Bears win two Calder Cups.

“I was little nervous. You play here for four years and it’s a little different walking down the hallway to the opposing locker room. But it was a lot of fun. I was waiting for a couple of chants against me, but I didn’t get any tonight. Once the game started, it’s another game. It was a little weird in the beginning, but once you start playing it’s the same.”

Aucoin helped write history in Hershey. His accomplishments and value to the Bears will never be forgotten.