FIRST TEAM EVER TO RECORD 60 WINS IN A SEASON

April 9, 2010

The BEARS became the first team in AHL history to win 60 games Friday, defeating the Norfolk Admirals 6-1 at Norfolk Scope. Alexandre Giroux scored the first three goals for the BEARS, starting at 9:40 in the first period from Chris Bourque and Karl Alzner. After Mitch Fritz scored for the Admirals to tie the game at one midway through the first, Giroux would take over for good in the second. His second of the game came at 4:44 of the middle period from Bryan Helmer and Keith Aucoin, and the hat trick was done at 8:35 from linemate Keith Aucoin. Ashton Rome picked up a goal from Karl Alzner and Francois Bouchard midway through the second at 9:19 before Andrew Joudrey earned his 15th goal of the year at 11:27. Andrew Gordon accounted for the only goal in the third period scored by either team, his 37th of the year on a Keith Aucoin rebound. Goaltender Braden Holtby, who was not overly tested by the Admirals Friday, earned the win by making 23 saves on 24 shots. BEARS Radio Network Three Stars of the game: 1. Alexandre Giroux (Hat trick, one short of 50) 2. Keith Aucoin (Three assists) 3. Chris Bourque (Two assists) Notes: With Giroux reaching the 100-point plateau in the game Friday, the BEARS have two different 100-point players for the first time in AHL history. Giroux and Aucoin are one-two in the league in scoring heading into Saturday’s regular season finale. The BEARS will host a to be determined opponent Wednesday in Game 1 of the East Division Semi-Finals. Faceoff Wednesday night will be at 7:00 p.m. Joudrey’s goal was his 15th of the season, extending a career high. Mark French said on this pregame radio show Friday that Jason Bacashihua will start Saturday’s finale in Norfolk. Aucoin was named the American Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player Friday, his first such honor.