Hershey Bears

Rivalry In Hershey

Vitek Vaneck (Caps Outsider)

Rivalries run deep, but one of the best in the American Hockey League is between the Hershey Bears and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Preseason, postseason, or regular season, games between these two squads are a war.

After their home opener win last night, the Bears were looking to get to .500 on the season. The Penguins came into this afternoon’s game with a 2-1-0 record.

When you talk to Bears fans about the rivalry, big hits, fights and bragging rights are the top three topics of the conversation. An hour and a half drive separates these two teams, which gives fans for both clubs the opportunity to see this rivalry live all season long.

Tonight was no exception. The WBS fans showed their presence well for this early season road contest with the Bears.

All game long the action went back and forth. At times the momentum swung in both teams favors. The MVPs of the night had to be the goalies for both teams. Both Vitek Vanecek (Hershey) and Tristin Jarry (WBS) were phenomenal in net. Both of these netminders were on point from the drop of the puck.

It was only fitting that the game would end in a 1-1 tie forcing overtime. Both teams had their chances during regulation. Hershey’s Riley Barber (1st of the season) netted the Bears lone goal of the contest, while Jake Guentzel added his own tally for the Penguins.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the game would end with the Penguins scoring on a penalty shot. As you can imagine, the Penguin fans were all the cheers you heard once the game winning goal was scored.

Full game highlights:

With the loss tonight, the Bears fall to 1-2-1 on the season. The Bears will return to action on Wednesday on the road against the Hartford Wolfpack.

Don’t worry Bears fans, there is a lot of hockey yet to play. The Penguins may have the early season lead in the rivalry, but there are plenty more games left.

Pregame Warm Up

Scott Payonk

Follow me on Twitter: @ScottP_Hockey for in game hockey updates and all other things hockey.

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