Riley Gill at a Bears practice earlier in the season (Photo by: Kyle Mace)
The historic Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall hosted the first meeting of the 2013-14 season between the Albany Devils and Hershey Bears. Brandon Segal continued to dismantle opponents on the scoring sheet, Michael Latta channeled his inner Joel Rechlicz and Riley Gill earned his first AHL win during a 4-1 Bears win.
We are five days into the new year, but we still have sometime to look back on 2013. Today, I took 26 of my favorite shots from the year and looked back on them. Above, probably my favorite photo from the year; Tom Wilson celebrating his first professional goal. The image captures Wilson’s excitement of getting the goal at a professional level for the first time, plus the excitement of the Bears faithful as Wilson scored the goal ahead goal in Game 4 of the first round series between Hershey and the Providence Bruins.
HERSHEY, PA – David Leggio and Eriah Hayes look back at the puck after Worcester’s third period goal to give them the win over Hershey (Tim Stough / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Within the last five seasons, the Hershey Bears have beaten the Worcester Sharks only once in five attempts on Giant Center ice. Both teams met Saturday in Chocolate Town for the first time this season. On Joel Rechlicz bobble-fist night, Rechlicz did not engage in an altercation, but rather took a crucial first period charging minor leading to Worcester’s second goal of the game. The Bears later fell by a 3-2 count/
The first time Joel Rechlicz saw his “bobble fist” that will be handed out to Bears fans Saturday night, he was as giddy as a 10-year-old getting the Lego version of the Millenium Falcon on Christmas Morning. Luckily, there was a camera rolling during the ceremonial presentation to Joel of the bobble fist modeled after his likeness. We’ve looked at the giveway up close, but below the jump check out video and a gif of Recker’s reaction of him getting to see the final product himself.
Real Joel Rechlicz (left) holds bobble fist Joel Rechlicz (right) after practice Thursday morning
The Hershey Bears have had many bobble head nights though the years, but Saturday night will be a first in the Chocolate and White’s history. The Bears will hold Joel Rechlicz “bobble fist” night this Saturday, December 21st. The head does not move on this giveaway, but the object that has made Joel famous on the ice, will.
HERSHEY, PA – Dane Byers (left) celebrates David Kolamatis’ GWOTG against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Kyle Mace / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
There was a different sense of urgency when the Bears began their game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday night. After losing at home Wednesday to St. John’s, the Hershey players and coaches realized that their team was in trouble. Too many home losses brought a tough Friday practice and team meeting. The result was a 3-2 overtime win against the Penguins, the first of the year against their arch rivals.
HERSHEY, PA – Joel Rechlicz closes down on Pierre Leblond during their fight Saturday night (Kyle Mace / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
With the Hershey Bears current struggles, the Chocolate and White need a spark right now, and Joel Rechlicz might have provided that to the team. Less then two minutes into the Bears’ game against Wilkes-Barre, the Penguins enforcer, Pierre Leblond, decided to take on Recker in a bout. As Bears fans know, these two have met before a few times. Below the jump, check out photos and video of the fight.
It’s become a nationwide awareness and fund raising effort for men’s health and ten members of the Hershey Bears are taking part. “Movember” gets men to grow mustaches in the month of November to increase conversation about men’s health, getting them to take action with visits to the doctor, and to raise money for research for prostate and testicular cancer. Last year alone, the Movember campaign raised over $147 million.
HERSHEY, PA – Philipp Grubauer stops a chance in close after defensive support provided by Dane Byers (Kyle Mace/ Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Several days shy of the midway point in November, the Hershey Bears Hockey Club entered Saturday eyeing their third win of the season. The top affiliate for the New York Islanders, Bridgeport Sound Tigers came into the match up tied with Hershey in standings points near the Eastern Conference’s dungeon.
The Bears’ watched their two goal lead in the third period evaporate leading to another shootout at Giant Center. However despite a ten round marathon shootout with a combined 11 goals, Dane Byers netted the game-winner in the tenth round followed by a Philipp Grubuaer win to secure a 3-2 shootout win.
HERSHEY, PA – Joel Rechlicz begins to take off his helmet before a fight with Brett Gallant Saturday night (Kyle Mace / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
For the seventh time in their careers, Joel Rechlicz and Brett Gallant dropped the mitts and had one heck of a fight. It always fires up the crowd when these two duke it out, and this time was no exception. One of their former fights was named Puck Daddy’s 2011 fight of the year, and after you watch this one, you’ll probably think it’s a contender for the 2013 awards.