Capitals Recall Barber and Ness from Hershey

February 23, 2017

(Hershey, PA- February 23, 2017)-The Washington Capitals have announced the recall of forward Riley Barber and defenseman Aaron Ness from the Hershey Bears hockey team. 

Barber, 23, has scored 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 18 games this season with Hershey. After a 35-game absence due to an upper body injury sustained Nov, 13, Barber returned to the lineup on Feb. 11, scoring a goal in Hershey’s 4-2 win versus Hartford. The following day, Barber tallied a pair of goals for Hershey in a 5-4 loss at Bridgeport. 
        
This is the first NHL recall for Barber. He was sixth round selection (167th overall) of the Capitals in the 2012 NHL Draft. After three successful seasons at Miami University, Barber turned pro with Hershey last season. During the 2015-16 campaign, Barber finished second on the team in points (55) and goals (26), and was third on the team in assists (29). He was named Hershey’s Rookie of the Year and added four points in 17 playoff games. The product of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the United States National Team Development Program has 66 points (33 goals, 33 assists) in 92 career games in Hershey. 

Ness, 26, appeared in eight games last season with Washington, registering two assists and plus/minus of +4. Ness has appeared in 37 career NHL games with Washington and the New York Islanders, scoring five points (one goal, four assists). He was originally a second round selection, 40th overall, of the Islanders in the 2008 NHL Draft. 

The Roseau, Minnesota native has appeared in 41 games this season with Hershey, notching 16 points (five goals, 11 assists). The veteran has served as an alternate captain at times this season for Hershey and ranks second on the team in scoring among defenders. 
The Bears visit Hartford on Friday. Hershey returns to home ice on Saturday to host the Toronto Marlies at 7 p.m. That evening is Ames Janitorial Services Rally Towel Night and Banking/Finance Night. Ticket information is available at HersheyBears.com.