Dylan McIlrath Loaned to Hershey

The Washington Capitals, National Hockey League affiliate of the Hershey Bears, have announced that they have loaned defenseman Dylan McIlrath to Hershey. The announcement was made by Washington senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick.

McIlrath, 34, has appeared in four games with the Capitals this season.

The 6’5”, 240-pound defender skated with the Chocolate and White for three seasons from 2021-24, producing 32 points (7g, 25a) and 301 penalty minutes in 192 games. During his tenure he served as captain of the Bears during back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 2023 and 2024, appearing in all 43 playoff games played by Hershey in that span, adding six points (2g, 4a). 

McIlrath also represented Hershey as a playing captain at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic in San Jose.

A veteran of 618 career games in the American Hockey League with the Bears, Grand Rapids, Springfield, and Hartford/Connecticut, McIlrath has 122 points (30g, 92a) to go along with a third Calder Cup championship captured with Grand Rapids in 2017.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has also appeared in 109 NHL games with Washington, Detroit, Florida, and the New York Rangers, amassing nine points (3g, 6a).

The Bears continue the 2026-27 season, presented by Penn State Health, when they host the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at GIANT Center for Milton Hershey School Takeover Night. Fans are encouraged to show their Spartan pride. Our core purpose is to provide value to Milton Hershey School and continue to fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey. Join us as we welcome students from MHS to celebrate our sweet partnership! The first 5,000 fans will receive a wrapped chocolate bar, courtesy of Milton Hershey School. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for this game via Ticketmaster.