BEARS WIN AT PHILLY FRIDAY 5-3

February 6, 2009

GORDON, MINK LEAD BEARS TO VICTORY IN PHILLY By: John Walton In the second to last regular season game for HERSHEY at the Wachovia Spectrum, the BEARS took an early lead and never trailed in defeating the Phantoms Friday 5-3. The offense shone brightly early on Friday night, as Andrew Gordon got HERSHEY started with his 15th goal of the season just 1:20 into the game. Kyle Wilson then got in on the offensive action with his 20th of the year at 7:46 and Graham Mink potted his 17th of the campaign at 9:44 of the first. Philadelphia’s Jonathan Matsumoto got one back for the Phantoms midway through the period at 10:35, but HERSHEY maintained a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. The BEARS fired 12 first period shots to Philadelphia’s three. The Phantoms would close within a goal at 3-2 just 52 seconds into the second period when Andreas Nodl scored, but Tyler Sloan scored his second goal of the season at 3:43 to again increase the HERSHEY lead to 4-2. David Laliberte scored a power play goal late in the second period to again close the Chocolate and White lead to one at 4-3, but the BEARS would prevail with a goal late in the third period from Gordon. The BEARS won 5-3, with Daren Machesney winning his 13th game of the season. Gordon was named the game’s number one star, with Mink earning number two star honors. Notes: HERSHEY returns home Saturday to face the San Antonio Rampage at GIANT Center. The game will mark the first time the Rampage and BEARS will meet in central PA. Tickets are on sale at the GIANT Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911. Karl Alzner and Alexandre Giroux were both recalled Friday from HERSHEY to the Washington Capitals. Kris Mayotte dressed as a backup goaltender in the game after being signed earlier this week to a professional tryout contract. Bryan Helmer was scratched from the game due to illness, Kip Brennan was a healthy scratch Friday. Bears Radio Network Three Stars of the Game 1. Andrew Gordon (Two goals to lead the way) 2. Graham Mink (Three point night) 3. Andreas Nodl (Goal and assist in losing effort)