Scott Gomez Exercises Option for Release from PTO

March 1, 2016

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Bears announced today that forward Scott Gomez has exercised his option for release from his professional tryout agreement.  The announcement was made by Bears President/General Manager Doug Yingst.

“This was a mutual decision agreed upon between Scott and the Hershey Bears,” Yingst said.  “He could not have been a more motivational and encouraging leader to our younger players, and a mentor for our veteran players.  Scott knows that the door is always open in Hershey for him.”

Gomez, 36, racked up 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in just 18 games with the Bears, ranking fourth on the team in assists.  His play contributed to the Bears’ fast charge up the Atlantic Division ladder to the top of the division.

“Gomez was an impact player for our team in every way possible,” Mann said.  “He added to our offensive game, quarterbacked a power play that has been a work in progress all season and was a tremendous person on and off the ice during his entire stay here.  It was an honor to coach him.”

Gomez, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, has dressed in 1,066 National Hockey League regular-season games with the Devils, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Blues.  He has amassed 755 points (181 goals, 574 assists) over parts of 16 seasons, and added 101 points (29 goals, 72 assists) in 149 career Stanley Cup playoff contests.  Gomez was a member of the Devils’ 2000 and 2003 Stanley Cup championship teams, won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1999-2000 as the league’s rookie of the year and played in the 2000 and 2008 NHL All-Star games.

Internationally, Gomez was a member of Team USA at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games held in Turin, Italy.  He also represented Team USA at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.