BEARS NAME STEVE OLEKSY TEAM CAPTAIN

March 4, 2015

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Bears announced today that defenseman Steve Oleksy has been named captain of the Hockey Club for the remainder of the 2014-2015 season.  The announcement was made by Bears president/general manager Doug Yingst and Bears head coach Troy Mann.

Oleksy, 29, will wear the “C” for the first time in his American Hockey League career.  He takes over the captaincy from Dane Byers, who underwent season-ending surgery on February 12.

The 5-11, 183-pound native of Chesterfield, Michigan has produced 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) and a team-leading 120 penalty minutes in 50 games with the Bears this season.  Oleksy’s four goals are a new single-season AHL best, and his 15 points have tied his best AHL single-season point total.  His plus-minus efficiency has also climbed to a season-high plus-18, which ranks second among his teammates.  In 135 career games in Hershey, Oleksy has accumulated 35 points (six goals, 29 assists).

Oleksy also has 62 games of NHL experience to his credit, all with the Washington Capitals.  He has tallied 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) and 86 penalty minutes in his NHL career.

Prior to turning pro, Oleksy played three years of college hockey at Lake Superior State University (CCHA), totaling 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) and 110 penalty minutes in 113 career games.

Well-respected and well-known for his work in the central Pennsylvania community, Oleksy becomes the 42nd captain in Hershey Bears franchise history.

The Bears visit the Providence Bruins on Friday, March 6 at 7:05 PM.  Fans may listen to the game beginning at 6:25 PM on the Bears Radio Network of affiliates WQIC-FM 100.1, WTKT-AM 1460, WOYK-AM 1350 and via the iHeart Radio app for smartphones (1460 AM).
 
The Bears return home to host the Portland Pirates on Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM.  Individual tickets for this and all remaining home games are on sale at the GIANT Center box office, by calling (717) 508-BEAR or online at TicketMaster.com.