SENS END HERSHEY'S HOME WINNING STREAK AT 10

December 27, 2008

BEARS FALL TO SENS Home Winning Streak Broken By Jess Mikula HERSHEY battled but struggled to find the back of the net Saturday night, as the BEARS fell to the Binghamton Senators 4-1. The loss marks the first home loss in the past 11 games. The Senators would find the score sheet first, as Danny Bois notched a power play marker at 4:43 of the first. Keith Aucoin answered 53 seconds later for the BEARS, potting his 10th goal of the year from Chris Bourque and Patrick McNeill at 5:37. The visiting team regained the lead at 7:11 with Aaron Clarke’s first of the season. HERSHEY trailed by a goal after one, despite out-shooting Binghamton 18-10. Neither team scored in the second period, though the BEARS had multiple chances. The home team fired 17 shots at Binghamton goaltender Brian Elliott in the second but failed to find the back of the net. HERSHEY killed off an extended 5-on-3 and carried a one goal deficit to the dressing room after 40 minutes of play. Derek Smith recorded his second goal of the season for the Senators at 6:09 of the third period, assisted by Shawn Weller and Bois. A non-call in the neutral zone resulted in Binghamton’s fourth goal, an unassisted tally from Drew Fata at 14:32. HERSHEY Head Coach Bob Woods was ejected from the game after throwing water bottles from the bench. The BEARS out-shot the Senators 44-24. Michal Neuvirth suffered the loss in net, making 20 saves on 24 shots in his first appearance in a HERSHEY sweater this season. Bears Radio Network Three Stars of the Game: 1. Brian Elliott 2. Aaron Clarke 3. Keith Aucoin Notes: The BEARS host the Albany River Rats in the final home game of 2008 at GIANT Center Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the GIANT Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911. The appearance by Neuvirth in goal Saturday was his AHL debut. He posted a 6-4-0 record and 1.90 goals against average for South Carolina (ECHL) this season. Defenseman Bryan Helmer was assigned Saturday afternoon to HERSHEY from Washington. Helmer is expected to be available Sunday for the home game against Albany. Darren Reid, Grant McNeill, Sasha Pokulok and Jay Beagle were scratches Saturday for the BEARS. Josh Godfrey played in his first game since December 7. He had been sidelined with an upper body injury.