SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — The Hershey Bears came out of the all-star break flying in Rhode Island.
Hershey topped the Providence Bruins 3-1 Friday night. The win lifted the Bears to a 5-0-0-0 record over the Bruins and gave them a 15 point lead on first place in the AHL's Atlantic Division.
Bears netminder Hunter Shepard went 12-for-13 in the win for Hershey, his 19th of the season.
Team made the quick trip to Springfield after the game. The team hotel was right across from Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Before the trip north, the Bears practiced at Hersheypark Arena, the place where one of the most iconic moments in basketball history took place. Philadelphia native Wilt Chamberlain scored a record 100 points in a game there. The Sixers gear he wore in the game is on display in the Hall of Fame.
The game in Springfield for the Bears was not as fun as the Hall of Fame. They lost to the Thunderbirds, 6-3. It is the most goals Hershey has allowed in a game this season.
The Thunderbirds celebrated FOX's iconic show, The Simpsons during the game Saturday.
Springfield wore "Isotopes" jerseys, in reference to the hit animated show.
The Bears performance was not a hit for Head Coach Todd Nelson. Nelson was frustrated with his team's effort.
"I told the guys, if you have that much energy in the third period, where was it the whole game," Nelson said.
"That means they were trying to take the easy way out, didn't want to pay the price. We have a full week of practice and I guarantee you, we are going to work," Nelson added.
Hershey doesn't play again until Saturday, February 17. They face Toronto that day in the first of a three game Canadian road trip.
The Bears return to home ice at Giant Center on Friday, February 23. You can watch that game on FOX43 at 7pm.