HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Bears won game one against the Cleveland Monsters, but it took a nail-biting OT to seal the deal.
Ethen Frank got an early goal just four minutes into game one.
The lead lasted until the second period when the Monsters found the back of the net... twice. The Monsters scored nearly back-to-back goals, the first off a penalty and the second just under a minute and a half later.
However, the Bears would respond with a screened Mike Vecchione shot that deflected off of Aaron Ness, tying the teams at 2-2.
Then, Chase Priskie scored the Bears first powerplay goal 17 minutes into the second period to put Hershey up by one, 3-2.
Halfway through the third, Hendrix Lapierre added insurance to put the Bears up 4-2 on another power play goal.
But the insurance was not enough, once again, the Monsters struck back fast, scoring two quick goals late in the third, sending the game into overtime, the first sudden death frame for the Bears during this year's playoff run.
Seven minutes in, a familiar sudden death hero would come through. Mike Vecchione was able to find the back of the net, ending the game with a Bears win, 5-4.
Vecchione, who scored last year's OT winner to win the 2023 Calder Cup, says its just about being prepared for the big-time moments.
"Just staying ready, things aren't going to be easy, it's playoffs," said Vecchione. "There's just a lot resiliency in the locker room, a lot of positive attitude and just a lot of belief."
"[Vecchione] just relishes the pressure. Certain players rise to the occasion in overtime and he's one of them," said Hershey Bears Head Coach Todd Nelson.
Game two will be held on Saturday, June 1 at GIANT Center at 7 p.m. Hershey fans can watch the game on FOX43's antenna station.
