Mike Richards Signs with Washington. What Does it Mean for Hershey?

CALGARY, AB - APRIL 9: Mike Richards #10 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 9, 2015 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Kings 3-1. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – APRIL 9: Mike Richards #10 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 9, 2015 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Kings 3-1. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals announced Wednesday they have agreed to terms with centerman Mike Richards. Richards, 30, has had legal issues over the past year, but has now landed himself a job with the Capitals organization.

There could be many reasons that the Capitals made this signing, but one in particular sticks out: the lack of depth at center. The position has very little depth in Hershey currently as Chandler Stephenson is currently out and Zach Sill is on recall to Washington.

The Bears were working with two true centers since Saturday when it was announced Stephenson had an upperbody injury. Now with the signing of Richards, Hershey could regain Sill, or even the former Philadelphia Phantom in Richards.

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Former Bears Captain Steve Oleksy Makes Return to Giant Center

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HERSHEY, PA – Steve Oleksy looks at the play during his return to Giant Center Sunday night against Hershey (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

One year ago, Steve Oleksy scored a goal for the Hershey Bears, setting off the flight of thousands of teddy bears onto the ice at Giant Center. A year later, the 29-year-old blueliner found himself on the other side of the goal.

“Being part of [the teddy bear toss] before you kind of expect it,” Oleksy said after the game. “That shows the support Hershey gives to the Bears here. It’s a little different being on the other bench as the teddy bears rain.”

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Hershey with Big Hole to Fill After Loss of Jakub Vrana

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Yesterday afternoon, we learned of the loss of Jakub Vrana for the next three to four months for the Hershey Bears after a wrist injury that was sustained during practice last week.

Hershey was working on a defensive zone drill when Vrana got caught in a battle in the corner. “His stick caught in the boards and consequently his wrist went into the boards funny,” head coach Troy Mann said. “We thought he was going to be okay, but then it swelled up overnight.”

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Chris Bourque Scores Game Winner in Return to Hershey

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HERSHEY, PA – Chris Bourque celebrates his game winning goal in overtime against Hartford on Saturday night.(Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

The last time Chris Bourque wore the Bears sweater in Giant Center was 1,275 days ago, playing in game 4 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs in 2012. He scored an empty net goal in Hershey’s win that game.

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Fox 43 Morning Crew Visits Giant Center to Preview Bears Season

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Photo via @KaraDuffyFox43

Chris Garrett and Kara Duffy of Fox 43 spent Wednesday morning at Giant Center with the Bears to take a look at everything Chocolate and White related. The two spoke to Bears coaches Troy Mann and Bryan Helmer, President and GM Doug Yingst, Brandon Sheaffer of Great Saves Productions, and Mike Miller of Mixed Up Productions about the up coming Pink the Rink night, featuring the pink specially jerseys.

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Justin Peters Making Most of Opportunity with Hershey

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Photo: Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey

Justin Peters found himself Thursday morning in the north goal at Giant Center. As patrons of the antique auto show watched on, the 29-year-old goalkeeper went through drills with the Hershey Bears, his first time back in the AHL since a two-game conditioning stint with the Bears last season. “I’m just excited to get the season going,” said Peters. “I’m excited about starting my journey on back to the NHL.”

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Nathan Walker Scores in Hershey Preseason Game After Injury

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HERSHEY, PA – Nathan Walker skates past the goal during warm-ups of Hershey’s preseason game Thursday night at Giant Center. (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

Eight months ago, Nathan Walker’s season ended early after an ACL tear in the ECHL. After months of rehab, the Australian forward returned to Giant Center, scoring in the Bears preseason loss to Albany. “I thought Walker had a strong game,” said Bears head coach Troy Mann. “He was good on the penalty kill. He’s that type of kid that’s really got to get his confidence back.”

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