Vitek Vanecek Earns First AHL Win in Last Game of Season

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Vitek Vanecek raises his arms after celebrating his first AHL win in his first AHL game. (All photos by Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

A 6:15 am flight greeted Vitek Vanecek this morning after he was told he would be playing for the Hershey Bears Sunday night in the Chocolate and White’s season finally. Vanecek’s South Carolina Stingrays played last night against the Kalamazoo Wings in the first round of the ECHL playoffs, taking a 2-0 lead in their series.

Through translator Jakub Vrana, the 20-year-old netminder said he got very little sleep before heading to Chocolate Town in the morning. “[I] was very excited to get here,” Vanecek said.

“It’s nice to see him comfortable out there,” fellow countryman Vrana said. “He had a great game today. I’m very happy for him.”

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Harrisburg’s Twin Ponds Finalist for Kraft Hockeyville 2016

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During the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers game Saturday afternoon, the 2016 Kraft Hockeyville finalist were announced. One of those finalists for the $150,000 prize is Twin Ponds Family Complex – East location. The facility was nominated by Central Dauphin High School student, Samantha Weaver.

“I remember watching the Winter Classic this past New Year, and I saw a commercial on Kraft Hockeyville,” Weaver told Chocolate Hockey. “After learning how to skate and play hockey and meeting tons of wonderful people at Twin Ponds over these past few years, I really wanted to do something for them.

“The people involved there are such great people who try their best to make your time there very satisfying. They really deserve this opportunity to upgrade the rink, and be more known for the great things they do there.”

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Jonas Siegenthaler Scores First AHL Point In First Game With Hershey

Jonas Siegenthaler Scores First AHL Point in First Game with Hershey

Allentown, PA – Jonas Siegenthaler poses with the puck from his first AHL point after Hershey’s 8-0 win over Lehigh Valley Wednesday night. (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

In Hershey’s historic 8-0 win last night over Lehigh Valley, the newest Hershey Bear Jonas Siegenthaler scored his first AHL point with an assist on Erik Burgdoerfer‘s second period goal.

“It was a good, high paced game,” the 18-year-old said after the win. “I really enjoyed to play with the Bears. It was a lot of fun.

“They’re great guys; they’re helping you all the time. I would not say [tonight] was easy, but since the team helps you a lot, it made [my first game] easier.”

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Bourque Brothers Reunite in Chocolate Town

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Ryan Bourque skates in his first practice with the Hershey Bears (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

For the first time since the end of the 2015 season, Chris and Ryan Bourque will be sporting the uniform as the younger Ryan joins the Hershey Bears.

“Obviously thrilled,” Chris said about the opportunity to play with Ryan again. “I got the chance to play with him last year. That was a first for us, we enjoyed it. It’s great to spend time with family. You don’t get to see each other too much when you are playing on opposite teams. To have him here is great for myself, him, and the family too.”

“I was a little shocked but most of all I was just really excited,” Ryan said about coming to Hershey. “I know I played with my brother last year, but to be able to come to the place where he started in the league and where he’s made his home is really special. The guys here have been great and I can’t wait to get started.”

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Five Former Bears Named to Initial World Cup of Hockey Rosters

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Wednesday afternoon five former Hershey Bears were named to four different World Cup of Hockey rosters for the 2016 Tournament to be held in Toronto. Dmitry Orlov, Semyon Varlamov, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, and Michal Neuvirth were all named their home country’s initial roster.

Orlov an Varlamov will represent Team Russia, Carlson will sport the red, white, and blue for Team USA, Holtby will have a maple leaf on his chest as he will between the pipes for Team Canada, and the 2009 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs MVP Michal Neuvirth was named as one of the goalies for Team Czech Republic.

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Former Bears Goalie Pheonix Copley Makes NHL Debut

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Photo via @karisannexo

A rare non-Saturday gameday for Bears fans allowed them to get to enjoy the NHL debut of a former Bear, Pheonix Copley. Copley was traded along with Troy Brouwer this offseason in exchange for T.J. Oshie after a stellar season in Hershey.

For most of this season, the North Pole, Alaska native has been playing for the Chicago Wolves, posting a 12-12-2 record. With the St. Louis Blues having a few goalie injuries, Copley has earned multiple recalls to the Blues, but hasn’t seen any action until today.

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Why Signing Scott Gomez is the Best Thing the Capitals Can Do

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Scott Gomez has been playing out of his mind recently in Hershey. Though the first 16 games of his professional tryout contract with the Hershey Bears, Gomez has four goals and 19 assists for 23 points.

He also has been a key part of Hershey’s recently revived power play, with ten of his 23 points coming on the man advantage. But in nine games, Gomez’s tryout contract expires and he will have a big decision to make.

But there’s one option that makes the most sense for all parties involved: Have the Washington Capitals sign Scott Gomez.

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