BEARS BEST NORFOLK AGAIN WITH 5-3 FINAL

December 29, 2009

HERSHEY became the first team in the AHL this season to reach the 50-point plateau, defeating the Norfolk Admirals 5-3 Tuesday at Norfolk Scope. The win was the team’s seventh straight, and it also concluded a 9-2-0-0 month of December for the top team in the circuit. Alexandre Giroux got the scoring started with his 12th goal of the season at 8:29 of the first period. Andrew Gordon, who like Giroux, was named to the Canadian AHL All-Star team earlier in the day, provided an assist along with Keith Aucoin. Just seconds later at 9:05, Steve Pinizzotto potted his sixth goal of the season with a blast from the top of the left circle against Norfolk goaltender Dustin Tokarski. HERSHEY led after one period 2-0. Norfolk got on the scoreboard in the second period with a goal from Matt Syroczynski at 2:56, but Chris Bourque would answer with a breakaway goal at 18:21 of the period to restore the two-goal advantage. The BEARS took a 3-1 lead to the final frame, where Norfolk would again pull within one. Brandon Bochenski scored his 16th goal of the season and his first against HERSHEY in five games at 2:28 to make the score 3-2. The Admirals shortly thereafter went on a power play, only to see BEARS defenseman Bryan Helmer score a short-handed goal at 5:02. A power play goal quickly followed from Jurai Simek at 5:26 to make the score 4-3. Chris Bourque finished off the Admirals with an empty net goal at 19:03. Jason Bacashihua won his seventh game of the season, making 30 saves. BEARS Radio Network Three Stars of the game: 1. Chris Bourque (Two goals to lead the way) 2. Matt Syroczynski (Goal and an assist for Admirals) 3. Bryan Helmer (Game-winner, his second goal in as many games) Notes: Giroux and Gordon were named to the Canadian AHL All-Star team earlier in the day. The Planet USA roster will be released Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Washington assigned goaltender Semyon Varlamov to HERSHEY on Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to see game action this weekend as the BEARS play three games in as many nights. The Chocolate and White travels to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Friday before hosting Binghamton Saturday and Adirondack Sunday at Giant Center. Tickets are on sale at the Giant Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911.