Bears Recall Leach From South Carolina

October 18, 2016

(Hershey, PA - October 18, 2016) –The Hershey Bears announced today that defenseman Joey Leach has been recalled from the club’s ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays. 

Leach, 24, skated in six games with Hershey during the 2015-16 season, notching three assists and a +5 rating. The defender re-signed with the Bears on July 7, and was a member of Hershey’s 2016 training camp. He had a goal in Hershey's October 9 preseason game versus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 

The 6-foot-4, 211-pound defender appeared in 58 games for South Carolina last season, registering 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), and finished fourth on the team with 122 penalty minutes. His +40 rating was the best in the ECHL and earned him the AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Year award. Leach also served as an alternate captain for South Carolina and struck for five points (two goals, three assists) in 19 playoff games as the Stingrays advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Leach has posted four assists in 22 career AHL games with Oklahoma City, Lake Erie, and Hershey. He has played in 169 career ECHL games, notching 44 points (eight goals, 36 assists) with 236 penalty minutes and a +79 rating. He previously played for Troy Mann during the 2013-14 season with the Bakersfield Condors. 

Prior to turning pro, Leach played five seasons of junior hockey with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice, and posted 134 points (27 goals, 107 assists) in 274 career games.  He was a member of Kootenay’s 2011 WHL championship team.  Leach was originally selected by the Calgary Flames in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Information on full season tickets, 22-game and 12-game plans and flex-10 ticket plans for the 2016-17 Hershey Bears regular season is available now by calling (717) 508-BEAR.  Flexible ticket plans start as low as $185 per seat. Information on full season tickets, 22-game and 12-game plans and flex-10 ticket plans for the 2016-17 Hershey Bears regular season is available now by calling (717) 508-BEAR.  Flexible ticket plans start as low as $185 per seat. 

For more Hershey Bears’ news, follow us on our social media channels and for more information, visit www.HersheyBears.com. 
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About Hershey Bears: The 2016-17 season will mark the Bears’ 79th anniversary season with the league. The team calls GIANT Center home.  The Bears have led the league in regular season attendance for the past ten consecutive seasons. Visit www.HersheyBears.com and follow Hershey Bears on our social media channels for ongoing team and schedule updates. 

About Hershey Entertainment & Resorts: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) is a world-class entertainment and hospitality company dedicated to preserving the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Founded in 1927 by Milton S. Hershey, HE&R and its subsidiaries own and/or operate the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex, Hersheypark Arena & Stadium, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey Bears AHL Hockey Club, GIANT Center, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hersheypark Camping Resort, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Country Club and Hershey Golf Collection, Hershey Nursery, and Hershey Laundry & Dry Cleaning. For additional information about HE&R, visit www.HersheyPA.com. 
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