BEARS ADVANCE TO EAST DIVISION FINALS WITH 4-1 WIN

April 22, 2010

BEARS BOUNCE BRIDGEPORT WITH 4-1 WIN Hershey Holds Sound Tigers to 7 Shots in Series Clincher By Jess Mikula The BEARS struck three times in the first period and stymied the Bridgeport offense to dismiss the Sound Tigers by a score of 4-1 Wednesday night. With the win, HERSHEY won the best-of-seven series four games to one and advanced to the East Division Finals. Karl Alzner blasted a slap shot from the left point for his first of the playoffs at 3:25, assisted by Sean Collins and Kyle Wilson. In his first postseason start, Zach Miskovic’s wrister from the high slot banked into the net off the right post at 9:29. Boyd Kane and Andrew Joudrey tallied the helpers on Miskovic’s first goal of the playoffs. Bridgeport capitalized on a turnover for a shorthanded marker at 12:42, as Dylan Reese potted a one timer from the right circle. Greg Mauldin and Jeremy Reich registered the assists. Wilson rounded out scoring in the first period with his second goal of the playoffs at 14:51, his shot trickling through the blocker side of Sound Tigers netminder Mikko Koskinen. HERSHEY outshot Bridgeport by a 12-1 margin and held a 3-1 advantage through 20 minutes of play. Alexandre Giroux buried a shot from the right point on a dish from Chris Bourque and Keith Aucoin to record his sixth of the postseason, a 5-on-3 marker, 1:32 into the second period. The Chocolate and White carried a 25-5 lead in shots and 4-1 lead on the scoreboard after two. Neither team scored in the final period. HERSHEY held the visiting Sound Tigers to just two shots on goal in the third period to end the series and punch its ticket to the East Division Finals. The BEARS allowed the Sound Tigers just seven shots on goal in the entire game. This marks the lowest count in any game in franchise history, both regular season and playoffs. Michal Neuvirth earned his third win of the postseason in net, turning aside six of seven shots. HERSHEY converted once on six power play chances and denied Bridgeport on both of its man advantage opportunities. Bears Radio Network Three Stars of the Game: 1. Kyle Wilson (one goal, one assist) 2. Karl Alzner (one goal) 3. Zach Miskovic (one goal) Notes: The BEARS move on to face the Albany River Rats in the East Division Finals, with the first two games to be played at Giant Center. Game 1 is slated for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop Saturday night, and Game 2 will be played on Sunday with opening faceoff at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for both games are available at the Giant Center box office or by calling (717) 534-3911.