Bears Summon Gustafsson, Geiger from Stingrays

March 8, 2018

The Hershey Bears have announced a pair of roster moves. Forward Hampus Gustafsson has been re-assigned to Hershey from the club's ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays, while defender Paul Geiger has also been recalled from South Carolina. The moves were announced by Hershey's Vice President of Hockey Operations, Bryan Helmer.

Gustafsson, 24, has skated in 14 games with the Chocolate and White this season, tallying two assists. The rookie forward joined the Bears last March on an amateur tryout agreement, posting two assists in 10 games, and also appearing in four playoff contests. With South Carolina, Gustafsson has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 29 games this season.

The native of Ljungby, Sweden signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals on Mar. 7. In 2016-17, Gustafsson skated for Merrimack College where he served as an alternate captain during his senior season. He led Merrimack in goals (15), ranked second in points (26), and fourth in assists (11), and was a nominee for the 2017 Hobey Baker Memorial Award.

Geiger, 25, has skated in four games with the Bears this season, registering one assist. The 6-foot-3, 214-pound defender has appeared in 48 games with South Carolina, scoring 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists). 

Prior to turning professional, Geiger played four seasons of NCAA hockey at Clarkson University. He was an ECAC All-Rookie Team member in 2012-13, and was named an ECAC Hockey Third-Team All-Star in 2015-16. He served as team captain his junior and senior seasons and posted 51 points (13 goals, 38 assists) in 150 career NCAA games. Geiger was a four-time member of the ECAC All-Academic Team.

Geiger will wear #5 with the Bears. He had previously worn #29 earlier this season.

The Bears are back in action on Friday in Syracuse as they battle the Crunch. The puck drops at 7 p.m. and the game may be heard on the Bears Radio Network.