Bears Battle Back, Fall to T-Birds in Overtime

Both teams traded goals early in the first period before the game's opening media timeout. Kody Clark tallied for the Chocolate and White at the 2:33 mark after burying the rebound of an initial shot from Lucas Johansen. Riley Sutter, returning to the lineup from a season-starting injury, recorded the secondary assist in his regular season debut. 

Only 2:22 later, the Thunderbirds drew even against Hershey goaltender Zach Fucale. Seconds after a successful Bears penalty kill, Nathan Todd scored on the rush for his third goal of the season at 4:55. Shots after 20 minutes were 12-7 Bears in addition to going 2-for-2 on the kill. 

The Bears saw two power play opportunities in the middle stanza to Springfield's one, but the Thunderbirds converted on the man-advantage at 15:36. Nolan Stevens tucked home a loose puck an inch across the goal line, which was shortly after confirmed by video review. Shots after 40 minutes were 23-13 Hershey with the T-Birds leading by a 2-1 margin. 

Cody Franson extended his point streak to four-straight with a late third period equalizer to force overtime. At the 16:38 mark, Franson's shot from the right point found an opening low to the ice past Springfield goaltender Charlie Lindgren. In the ensuing 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime, Sam Anas scored the game-winner on a highlight reel goal rushing up ice. Final shots on goal totaled 34-22 Hershey. The Bears special teams finished 0-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.

The Hershey Bears return to action on Saturday, Nov. 6 at GIANT Center. The Bears will play host to the Providence Bruins for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. Ticket information is available online at HersheyBears.com.