There are 18 different players from Hershey that have been in our lineup this season. Eighteen players have tasted the NHL and have helped their own careers while helping our franchise to a playoff berth.

I believe this story and this theme of our rebuild has been underestimated. And underreported.

Can you name an NHL and AHL partnership that is thriving more than ours?

We believe in our partners in Hershey. They lead their division as well. They play a similar style as we do. We are building a culture of winning and a style of play that is very successful in the new NHL. We want all of the players in Hershey to feel apart of the program; to know we respect and value them; and that we have much confidence in them. Play hard and stay focused. Your work is being noticed.

Kudos to the Hershey Company and to the Bears front office and coaching staff. I for one couldn’t be happier with this partnership. Go Bears!