HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Bears will host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the GIANT Center tonight at 7 p.m., facing off against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the first game of this season's I-81 rivalry series. The Bears, wearing special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, aim to unite the hockey community in the fight against cancer, with proceeds from a post-game jersey auction supporting cancer patients and their families.
The game also features promotional giveaways, including Hockey Fights Cancer rally towels for all fans. The Bears bring an impressive 14-4-2-0 record into the matchup, while the Penguins, with a 10-4-1-0 record, arrive following a home victory over Laval.
Hershey Looks to Continue Home Dominance
Hershey has excelled at home against the Penguins, boasting a 7-0-1-0 record in their last eight games at GIANT Center. Last season, the Bears swept all six home meetings against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Forward Mike Sgarbossa, who tallied 10 points in nine games against the Penguins last year, and goaltender Hunter Shepard, who posted a 6-1-0 record in the rivalry, will look to maintain that dominance tonight.
Key Performers and Recent Form
Hershey enters tonight’s contest after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, extending their point streak to six games (4-0-2-0). Ethen Frank scored Hershey's lone goal and leads the team with 20 points, including 14 goals that tie him for the AHL’s goal-scoring lead.
The Penguins arrive on a two-game win streak, paced by Emil Bemstrom, who leads the team with 17 points. Former Bear and 2024 Calder Cup Champion Jimmy Huntington remains sidelined due to injury.
Special Promotions and Jersey Auction
As part of Hockey Fights Cancer Night, Hershey players will wear themed jerseys, with Ethan Bear and Grant Cruikshank temporarily donning different numbers. The jerseys will be auctioned post-game, with proceeds supporting cancer-related causes. Hockey Fights Cancer is a league-wide initiative to support cancer patients and their families. The Bears have a 3-2-0-0 record in past Hockey Fights Cancer games.
Quick Notes
- Hershey has played six more games than Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.
- Alex Limoges extended his point streak to four games and seeks his 100th career AHL assist.
- Hershey traded defenseman Dmitry Osipov to Utica for forward Jace Isley, who will wear #34.
- Nov. 30, 2013: Hershey edged the Penguins 3-2 in OT at GIANT Center.Hershey was whistled for 47 penalty minutes in the game, including 10 from current Bears assistant coach Patrick Wellar and 17 from current FOX43 color commentator Garrett Mitchell.
Special Teams
HER PP: 22.7% (3rd) | HER PK: 85.1% (8th)
WBS PP: 19.6% (11th) | WBS PK: 84.9% (10th)
Tonight's Officials
Referees: Riley Brace (49), Liam Maaskant (45)
Linespersons: Colin Gates (3), Tommy George (61)
How To Watch
Tonight's game is on FOX43.2 Antenna TV. Live coverage from Giant Center begins at 7 p.m. Zack Fisch, Garrett Mitchell, and Ryan Ye will have the call. You can find Antenna TV on WPMT 43.2 over the air or on these cable channels:
Xfinity Ch. 247 and 1178
Verizon FiOS Ch. 463
Blue Ridge Ephrata Ch. 91
Blue Ridge Newberry/Duncannon Ch. 88
