Bears Dominate Hartford with 6-1 Win

February 24, 2017

(Hartford, CT- February 24, 2017)-The Hershey Bears hockey team exploded offensively in the second period on Friday night, scoring five goals on 20 shots, en route to a 6-1 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack at the XL Center. The five goals in a single period tied a season-high for Hershey, and the 20 shots in a single period set a new season-high for the club. 

Hershey's offense started slow on Friday, firing just two shots in a scoreless opening period. The tide quickly turned in the second period. Christian Thomas, a former Hartford winger, opened the scoring against his former club at 7:17. Christian Djoos and Ryan Bourque assisted, as Thomas finished a pretty passing play for his team-leading 18th goal of the season. 

Just 1:19 later, Hershey struck again. With Hershey making a line change, Travis Boyd stole the puck in the corner and made a falling, spinning pass to Jakub Vrana. Coming off the bench, Vrana was left uncovered, and he beat Hartford netminder Brandon Halverson with a shot through the five-hole to make it 2-0. 

Stanislav Galiev added to the lead at 12:06, beating Halverson with a long-range wrist shot that surprised the netminder. Just 44 seconds later, Hershey made it 4-0 as Boyd scored his 12th goal of the season. Liam O’Brien found Boyd streaking down the right wing, and Boyd’s wrist shot beat Halverson blocker side. For Boyd, the goal marked his 100th career point with Hershey. Netminder Vitek Vanecek also assisted, collecting his second assist of the year. The goal ended Halverson’s night as he was lifted after allowing four goals on 19 shots. 

With Magnus Hellberg now in goal, Hershey continued the offensive onslaught. O’Brien scored at 16:43 to make it 5-0. The forward collected a loose puck in neutral ice and beat Hellberg with a snap shot from the right wing for his seventh goal of the year. Tom Gilbert assisted on the goal, notching his first point with Hershey. 

After a Ryan Graves goal put Hartford on the board at 19:34 of the second period, Hershey answered mid-way through the third period. Galiev scored his second goal of the game, striking on a five-on-three power play. His one-time slap shot from the left wing beat Hellberg under the right arm to make it 6-1 Hershey. 

Hershey outshot Hartford 32-23. It was the first time Hershey had outshot an opponent since Jan. 18. 

Hershey returns to home ice tomorrow 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.