Hershey Bears Alumni

Jim Montgomery

2008-12-23T21:56:00.002-05:00

College hockey star Jim Montgomery was never drafted by an NHL team. Born in Montreal, Montgomery chose the college route to get to the NHL. The high scoring forward spent four seasons with the University of Maine Black Bears. He led the Black Bears to a 1993 National Championship as he racked up 95 points in only45 games. The only teammate to outscore him was freshman Paul Kariya.

Montgomery got his chance at the NHL the following season with the St. Louis Blues. It marked the first stop of many in his NHL career. Montgomery also spent time with the hometown Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. In total, Montgomery picked up 34 points in 122 NHL games.

Montgomery spent parts of two seasons with the Hershey Bears. It was in Chocolateton that Montgomery established a career high of 105 points in the 1995-96 season.

Before it was over, the talented centerman also played in Germany and Russia.

Today, Montgomery serves as an Assistant Coach for the RPI Engineers of the ECAC.

Jared Aulin

2008-09-28T20:05:00.003-04:00

Usually it works the other way, an aspiring college hockey star signs with a professional team with the dreams of playing in the NHL. Former former Hershey Bears forward Jared Aulin career has been just the opposite. Aulin was a star player for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League before being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche. During the 2002-2003 season Aulin made it to the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings. Aulin played in 17 games an recorded a couple goals. From there it was stops in AHL cities like Manchester, Hershey, Springfield and Portland - never to return to the NHL.

While with the Hershey Bears, Aulin played 61 games and registered 39 points. The Calgary native was a member of the Calder Cup Championship team.

After a dissapointing 2006-2007 season with the Springfield Falcons, Aulin decided to walk away from professional hockey. Aulin headed to The University of Calgary and enrolled in Open Studies and instantly became a star for the Dinos of the Canada West college hockey league.

Aulin scored 34 points in just 16 games with the Dinos.

Mike Haworth (1955-2008)

2008-09-21T20:58:00.003-04:00

Mike Haworth spent three season with the Hershey Bears between 1979 and 1982. He averaged over 250 minutes in penalties a season and was a key member of the 1980 Calder Cup Championship team. Following is a local report on the helicopter crash that claimed his life in mid-August.

"A local helicopter pilot has died as a result of injuries he sustained in a crash at the headwaters of Legate Creek northeast of the city on Aug. 13.
Mike Haworth, 53, was the only person on board the helicopter, owned by Quantum Helicopters of Terrace, when it crashed around 11:00 am.
He was evacuated from the crash site and airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 14.
The helicopter had been chartered by a mining company, and at the time of the accident was moving a 1,500-lb. drill part on a sling from one site to another."

For more information and articles please click here.

Dave MacIsaac

2008-09-02T20:34:00.003-04:00

Dave MacIsaac played a mere 32 games with the Hershey Bears in 2001-2002. That is four games less than he played the following season in Russia. The American-born defenseman spent most of his American Hockey League patrolling the blueline for the Philadelphia Phantoms.

After his AHL days were done, macIsaac spent time in Italy, the ECHL and then the UHL with the Danbury Trashers. The Trashers never really caught on and MacIsaac was on his way back to Italy before finally calling it a career.

The Trashers failed to lure enough fans to the rink but MacIsaac believes the new Danbury Madhatters of the new EPHL will make a go at it. MacIsaac becomes the first Head Coach of the Madhatters as the 2008-2009 season sets to begin.

Denis Herron

2008-08-03T23:49:00.002-04:00

In 1979-1980 Denis Herron posted an impressive 25 wins while only picking up 3 losses. The next season he would win the Vezina Trophy. Both accomplishments came while playing goalie for the Montreal Canadiens.

There were some other memorable seasons. How about the 11-39-11 record while defending the goal for the Kansas City Scouts? That was a long season. There were many other long ones for the Quebec native. But in the end, Herron was good enough to stick around for 14 seasons - mostly with the Pittsburgh Penguins. So what is Herron best known for? He was in goal for Guy Lafleur's 50th goal on three occasions. The trend came to an end when Herron was traded to Montreal from Pittsburgh.

The Penguins third round pick in 1972 spent parts of three seasons with the Hershey Bears. He played 50 games with the Bears between 1972 and 1975. Herron didn't return to the AHL until the mid 1980s when he played a season for the Baltimore Skipjacks.

After retiring from hockey, Herron tried his hand as a car salesman in his native Quebec. That last about 8 months before he headed to work in the hotel industry in West Palm Beach, Florida. Now, he remains in the hotel industry working for Radisson in Aruba and St. Martin.

Jeff Buchanan

2008-07-31T21:42:00.003-04:00

Defenseman Jeff Buchanan was never drafted by an NHL team but still had a long professional career. He spent a lot of time on the ice as a rookie with Gretzky. His 282 penalty minutes indicate he was there to protect Gretzky. That's Brent Gretzky of the Atlanta Knights. In 1992, he came out of the Western Hockey League and signed on with the Atlanta Knights of the International Hockey League. For the next seven season the Swift Current native toiled in the "I" never getting the shot at the NHL.
In 1998, Buchanan made the switch to the American Hockey League and the Hershey Bears. Buchanan played in only 38 games for the Bears, but something very important happened in his final professional season. The Colorado Avalanche summoned Buchanan from Hershey and he played in six NHL games. He didn't score any points and only managed to pick up 3 minor penalties. However, he made it.
Today, Buchanan remains in Central Pennsylvania. He , like former Bear Mark Freer, works as an Account Manager for Wealth Management of Hershey.

Len Barrie

2008-07-23T20:56:00.003-04:00

What former Hershey Bear player from the early 1990's hit it the biggest? Tim Tookey? Dominic Roussel ? Tommy Soderstrom? No, none of them made it nearly as big as Len Barrie.

The British Columbia native spent three seasons with the Bears and managed to play in 184 games in the National Hockey League.

Barrie's best season in Hershey was a 42 goal season in 1991-92. However, the 76 point season a year later was also impressive considering he only played 61 games.

Today, Barrie is a real estate developer in Vernon, British Columbia. He is a partner in the Bear Mountain Resort and has successfully invested for numerous former teammates and players. The Bear Mountain Resort has become Western Canada's largest resort devolopment.

In June of 2008, Barrie became part owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning Club.

The former Bear star is married with two children. His son, Tyson, plays in the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna Rockets.

Barrie spends his free time on the golf course and boasts a six handicap.

Hershey Bears Steve Scheifele Book Released

2008-07-18T07:47:00.003-04:00

A 118 page book chronicling the life and times of Steve Scheifele has been released through Blurb.com. The book , Which is available in soft and hardcover, reviews the career of Scheifele before and after his two seasons playing with the Hershey Bears in the early 1990's. The publication has over 100 photos and images that take you from age 5 to just a few months ago.
Seldom seen photos from the Philadelphia Flyers, 1988 World Junior Championships in Moscow and tons of photos from a private collection.
The Greenbelt, Maryland native played for the Stratford Cullitons, Boston College Eagles, Hershey Bears, Richmond Renegades and even a call up for the Philadelphia Flyers when they faced the famed Central Red Army of the Soviet Union.
A preview and ordering information is available on the Blurb.com website or the author can be reached at scheifelebook@hotmail.com for additional information.

Blair Atcheynum

2008-07-16T23:26:00.002-04:00

Blair Atcheynum played a single season with the Hershey Bears. The season, as any recent fan will remember, was the Calder Cup championship season of 1996-97. The 87 points he scored were the most he would tally for a team as a professional. As a junior in the Western Hockey League Atcheynum scored 138 points during the 1988-89 season. However, to Hershey fans, he will be best remembered for his triple overtime goal against the Philadelphia Phantoms. During his single season with the Bears, the Estevan, Sask. native scored 42 times. The season in the AHL with the Bears provided the opportunity to take a run at the NHL. The right winger went on to play in St. Louis, Nashville an Chicago. In an NHL career that spanned 196 games, Atcheynum scored 60 points on 27 goals and 33 assists. His final professional season came in 2000-2001.
Today, Atcheynum was returned to Western Canada and serves as Assistant Coach for the junior Battlefords North Stars.

Craig Berube

2007-09-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

There were a lot of fights for Craig Berube in his long professional career. The pro fights started in Hershey when Berube signed on with the Philadelphia Flyers. Fresh out of the Western Hockey League, Berube played 63 games for the Bears and accumulated 325 penalty minutes. He also managed to pick up 24 points with 7 goals and 17 assist. Each of the next two seasons berube played a little less with the Bears and a little more with the Flyers. By the early 1990's the minor leagues were a distant memory and Berube played over 1000 NHL games and averaged over 3 penalty minutes a game. After the Flyers Berube played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders.
Today, Berube serves as the head Coach for the rival AHL Philadelphia Phantoms.

Alvin "Buck" Jones (1917-2007)

2007-09-01T06:41:00.000-04:00

Alvin "Buck" Jones passed away last week in Tampa, Florida. Buck was born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada in 1917. He was a National Hockey League player with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. His career was interrupted when he joined the Canadian army in World War II. Upon discharge, he resumed his hockey career, retired in 1954 and settled in Tampa. In 1987, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Owen Sound, Ontario. He worked at Maas Brothers for 29 years and retired in 1983. Buck was an auxiliary volunteer at Tampa General Hospital for 15 years.
Jones played 131 games for the Hershey Bears in the late 1940's.

Goran Hogosta

2007-08-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

There are not to many pre-1980 Hershey Bears living outside North America. The vast majority of players came from Canada and a few from America thrown into the mix. During the 1977-78 AHL season the Hershey Bears employed 7 different goalies (one more than the 2006-07 season).
Swedish native Goran Hogosta was one of them. Today Hogosta lives in Falun, Sweden with his wife. They are proud parents of a son and daughter and at last count two grandchildren.
It is hard to imagine many HersheyPark Arena fans knew the fabulous international career of Hogosta. The goalie only played 23 games in Hershey. As a member of Team Sweden he was named "Best Goalie" at the 1977 World Championships in Vienna. He took home medals at the 1975, 1976, and 1977 World Championships before signing with the New York Islanders.
In fact, he only played nine minutes for the Islanders- sharing a 9-0 shutout of the Atlanta Flames with Billy Smith.
Hogosta was eventually traded to the Quebec Nordiques where he played just over 20 games before returning to Sweden to conclude his career.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Hogosta is employed as a salesman for Carlsberg Brewery. Hogosta enjoyed Hershey as it reminded him of the small town of Leksand (Sweden) where he played many years.

Ferny Flaman

2007-08-20T20:42:00.000-04:00

Fern Flaman's Hall of Fame career came through Hershey during the 1946-47 season. Flaman spent 38 games with the Bears before getting the call to the NHL with the Boston Bruins. The Bears went on to win the 1947 Calder Cup Championship and Flaman went on to a 910 game career on the blueline with the Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
According to a 2002 interview with Flaman, "Hershey was a beautiful little town. I have fond memories of the aroma of the chocolate factory and of the Community Inn."
The Regina, Saskatchewan native broke into professional hockey with the Bears and scored 12 points for the Bears. Previously, Flaman played in the Eastern League with the Boston Olympics.
Today Flaman lives outside of Boston in the town of Westwood. He is married with two children and several grandchildren.
After his Hall of Fame playing career Flaman moved to the college coaching ranks with Northeastern University for 20 years. Currently he is a Special Assignment Scout with the New Jersey Devils.

George Swarbrick

2007-08-13T19:42:00.000-04:00

Not many former professional hockey players wind up in Nebraska. Former Hershey Bears forward George Swarbrick is one of them. The Moose Jaw, Sask native played a single season with the Bears in 1970-71. He split the year between Hershey and the NHL Flyers. In 24 games with the Bears Swarbrick scored 10 goals and handed out 8 assists. The 1970-71 season also marked Swarbrick's last run and the National League.
In 132 NHL games with the Flyers, Seals and Penguins Swarbrick scored 42 points. He played the majority of his AHL games with the rival Baltimore Clippers. Swarbrick also spent five seasons in the Western League an three more in the North American League.
Now living just south of Omaha, Swarbrick runs his own lighting business although he anticipates retiring in a couple years.

Brad Palmer

2007-08-03T23:06:00.000-04:00

Coming out of junior in 1980 Brad Palmer had the hardest shot known to Western Hockey League goalies. The Victoria Cougars forward scored 45 times during the 1979-80 season. Palmer was drafted in the first round of the NHL draft by the Minnesota North Stars. Big things were expected for the talented Western Canadian.
But something happened on the way to NHL stardom. The goalies were better, the league was faster and it wasn't as easy to get that rocket shot off.
Palmer spent two and a half season in the NHL with the North Stars and Boston Bruins before spending a year in Hershey. Palmer scored 25 goals for the Bears in 1983-84 and averages almost a point a game. However, the season in Hershey proved to be his last in North America. Palmer spent the remainder of the 80's putting up decent numbers in Finland, Germany and Austria.
Today, Palmer is married with three children and resides back in Victoria. He still manages to take a break a couple times a week from his electrical business to lace up the skates.

Cleon Daskalakis

2007-07-29T08:50:00.000-04:00

Another update on a former NHL goalie who spent part of the 1980's in Chocolatetown. Cleon Daskalakis turned pro with the Hershey Bears after a stellar career with the Boston University Terriers. The Boston native played 30 games with the Bears during the 1984-85 season. Daskalakis made it to the NHL with the hometown Bruins in 1984-85 as well. He played parts of three seasons with the Bruins before returning to Hershey for a three game stint during the 1987-88 season.

Daskalakis retired from hockey in 1993. Currently, Mr. Daskalakis is the President of Celebrity Marketing, Inc., a sports marketing and event production firm that he founded in 1996, and a Trustee of the New England Sports Museum, which he serves on a volunteer basis. Mr. Daskalakis' service on CFC's Board of Directors is on a voluntary basis. He also serves as CFC's President.

Don Edwards

2007-07-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

Goaltender Don Edwards turned pro with the Hershey Bears in 1975. The Hamilton, Ontario native had just completed a successful junior career with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In 1975, Edwards was drafted by the NHL Buffalo Sabres and the WHA San Diego Marineers. Edwards chose the NHL and signed on with the Sabres. Not bad for a youth who didn't start playing goalie until he was 13 years old.

Edwards played 86 AHL games with the Bears before making embarking on an All-Star career with the Sabres. In 1980, Edwards won the Vezina trophy. Other NHL stops included Calgary and Toronto.

Edwards final pro playing experience came back in the AHL with the Nova Scotia Oilers during the 1987-88 season.

This summer brought a new opportunity for Edwards. He was named the new General Manager for the Saginaw (Michigan) Spirit of the OHL.

Wayne Bianchin

2007-07-19T20:13:00.000-04:00

Surf's Up ! Wayne Bianchin was set and ready to go for a long and successful career with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL. A gifted scorer, it looked as if Bianchin would become a high scoring forward for the Western Pennsylvania club. However, the British Columbia native got the wrong wave while body surfing in Hawaii. The result was a broken neck. Bianchin was just coming off a successful rookie season. Prior to the injury, he played 3 games with the Hershey Bears. After the injury, Bianchin spent parts of two seasons under the management of Frank Mather's and the Hershey Bears. In 1975-76, the left wing rebounded with a 46 point season with the Bears.
From there it was back to the NHL with the Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers. His final season in the NHL with the Oilers was played along side 19 year old Wayne Gretzky.
At last report, Bianchin had returned to his native Nanaimo, BC and was working in the financial services field.

Mark Freer

2007-07-16T20:50:00.000-04:00

Mark Freer spent his first full professional season in Hershey as a member of the 1988-89 Bears. The Toronto native averaged better than a point a game as a rookie out of the Ontario Hockey League. Freer also spent his last season as a professional in Hershey as a member of the 2002-03 Bears. In between the were stops in Philadelphia, Ottawa, Houston, Calgary and St. John.
Most of Freer's time was spent in the AHL, but he did play 122 NHL games. Overall , the center played five seasons in Hershey scoring 110 goals.
Today, Freer remains in the Hershey area as a representative for Wealth Management.

Keith Acton

2007-07-04T20:59:00.000-04:00

Seven years and counting for super pest Keith Acton. The Stouffville native has continued a successful career in hockey as Assistant Coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Acton, 48, concluded his playing career in 1995 by lacing up the skates for the Hershey Bears for 12 games. The center registered 12 points and 58 penalty minutes before retiring.
Acton played 1023 NHL games primarily for the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers. As a member of the 1988 Oilers, Action won the Stanley Cup.
Acton and his wife Susan reside in Stoufville with there four children.

Chris Valentine

2007-05-18T22:41:00.000-04:00

Chris Valentine was never able to put a full season in while playing for the Chocolate and White. Each of his three seasons were interrupted by a recall to the NHL Washington Capitals. The Belleville, Ontario native had three productive seasons with Hershey and even scored 67 points in 60 games with the Capitals as a rookie in 1981-82. However, the 1982-83 season brought Valentine back to Hershey for the majority of the season. While in Hershey, Valentine averaged better than a point a game in each season. Valentine played 105 NHL games with the Caps and registered an impressive 95 points. It seems his North American career should have been longer, much longer.
By the 1984-85 season the NHL dream was done and Valentine landed in Germany for another 10 plus seasons. While with Dusseldorf, Valentine established himself as one of the great Canadian imports of the 1980's and 1990's. The forward averaged better than two points a game with his best season reflecting 103 points in a mere 45 games.
Today Valentine serves as Head Coach for the Linz hockey club in Austria. Prior to coaching in Austria, Valentine served as Head Coach for a handful of German clubs.

Joe Paterson

2007-05-08T20:44:00.000-04:00

The 87 games Joe Paterson played for the Hershey Bears were only a small part of a lifetime spent in hockey. The Toronto, Ontario native has returned home as an Assistant Coach for the AHL Marlies. In between there have been stops in London, Kalamazoo, Adirondack, Denver, Flint, New Haven Binghamton and Phoenix in the minors. Paterson also played 291 NHL games with the Red Wings, Flyers, Rangers and Kings.
The left wing scored 31 goals for the Bears over parts of two seasons in the mid-1980s. Paterson currently resides in Toronto with his wife Marcia.

John Dzikowski (1966-2006)

2007-04-28T14:20:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Flyers 1984 draft pick John Dzikowski played a single season with the Hershey Bears in 1986-87. In 61 games he registered 13 goals and the same number of assists. The forward played both left wing and center coming out of junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings (junior home of current Bears star Eric Fehr).
After additional stops in the IHL with the Kalamazoo K-Wings and then in the feldgling ECHL, Dzikowski retired from professional hockey. The Manitoba native worked as an engineer for McCains Food Canada and remained in the game by playing weekly and coaching.
On May 17, 2006 Dzikowski passed away as a result of diabetic shock.

Pierre Larouche

2007-04-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

Pierre Larouche was on of the most talented players ever to pass through Hershey. His NHL profile says it all. Two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. Fifty goal scorer with the Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Twoshort of 50 goals while with the New York Rangers.

When it was all said and done, Larouche scored 395 NHL goals.

Before Sidney Crosby, Larouche was the first 18 year old to take off in Pittsburgh. Also arriving from the QMJHL, the Quebec native scored 68 points as a rookie and followed with 111 points as a sophomore with the Pens.

In 1985-86, Larouche played 32 games and picked up 39 points. The performance earned Larouche a trip back to the Big Apple and the Rangers.

Today, Larouche and his wife live in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh. Larouche is employed by the Penguins in Corporate Sales and is an accomplished golfer.

Troy Crowder

2007-04-09T20:31:00.000-04:00

By the time Troy Crowder made his way to Hershey it seemed he had lost his desire to fight. In 1998, the Sudbury, Ontario native arrived in Hershey and played 25 games. Crowder picked up a single assist and registered 44 penalty minutes. The stay in Hershey was short, his hockey career almost over.

Crowder did make it the the NHL playing for the Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. The right wing played 150 games in the NHL and managed 9 goals to go along with his 433 penalty minutes. There were also stops overseas. Crowder played in Germany and England in the late 1990's.

Today, Crowder runs a hockey camp out of his native Sudbury. Camp Adventure North is located on Lake Penage in Ontario.

Ron Areshenkoff

2007-03-31T17:51:00.000-04:00

Grand Forks, British Columbia native Ron Areshenkoff played only 38 games as a member of the 1978-79 Hershey Bears Team. However, "Resh" was in Hershey when Three Mile Island erupted. He spent the day "listening to the radio with my roomates wondering if this meant our kids would be born with two heads." The Buffalo Sabres draft pick is happy to report his son and daughter are just fine. In a partial season with the Bears, he scored 9 goals and 14 assists. During the season, Areshenkoff also scored a goal in an exhibition loss to a travelling Soviet team.
After playing with the Bears, Areshenkoff was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the special draft that was held when the NHL and WHA merged. He managed to play in four games with the NHL Oilers at the same time Wayne Gretzky played his initial NHL season.
At last report, Areshenkoff was living in Estevan, SK and working as a financial planner.

Jim Wiley

2007-03-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

Jim Wiley is a Gorilla- the head Gorilla as a matter of fact. Former Hershey Bear Jim Wiley currently is the Head Coach of the Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League. The Ontario native has also coached in the IHL, AHL, ECHL and even some time in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks.
As a player, Wiley made it to the National Hockey League as a center for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks. In 62 NHL games, Wiley posted four goals and 10 assists over parts of three seasons. Wiley played two seasons in Hershey in the 1970's and produced 129 points in only 118 games.

Wendell Young

2007-03-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

12 wins, 0 losses and a Calder Cup Championship in 1988. It was an unbelievable run for the Hershey Bears and Goaltender Wendell Young. The single season spent in Hershey produced the greatest playoff performance ever by a professional goalie.
During the regular season, Young led the AHL with 33 wins and turned in a solid 2.77 GAA. However, it couldn't compare to the 12-0 record with a 2.19 GAA.
Now Young begins his third year as the Chicago Wolves assistant coach, while continuing to serve as the team’s executive director of team relations. He previously served as the goaltending coach for the Calgary Flames from 2001-2003. Young is the only man in hockey history to win all four major North American championships: the Stanley Cup, Turner Cup, Calder Cup and Memorial Cup.
The 42-year-old was a member of the 1981 Kitchener Rangers Memorial Cup team, the 1988 Hershey Bears Calder Cup Championship squad and the 1998 and 2000 Wolves Turner Cup Championship clubs. Young and his wife Paula reside in the Northwest Chicago suburbs with their daughter Gabrielle and sons Matt and Jack.

Dave Parro

2007-03-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

Dave Parro is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and proved to be one of the greatest hometown players the city produced. Parro was a star goalie in junior for both the Saskatoon Olympics and the Saskatoon Blades. His junior play made him the number two goalie prospect coming out of the WCHL in 1977.
Parro was drafted by the Boston Bruins and started his professional career with the Rochester Americans. Parro was soon claimed by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1970 expansion draft. Two days after claiming the goalie, the Nordiques sent him to the Washington Capitals for former Hershey Bear Nelson Burton.
Parro's arrival in Hershey for the 1979-80 season ended in a Calder Cup victory. Parro completed a solid regular season and contributed in the playoffs with a 5-3 record. Parro played with the Bears until 1984 with the exception of the 1981-82 season. The Saskatoon native spent the entire 81/2 season in goal for the Washington Capitals.
Today, Parro remains in Hershey and is a member of the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni team. In recent years Parro has even been forced to dress as a backup for the Bears when injuries or illness hits the AHL team.

Don Cherry

2007-03-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

A Nominee for "The Top Ten Greatest Canadians" by the CBC, Don Cherry has roots in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
A high school dropout from Kingston, Ontario, Cherry laced up with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears in 1954 to begin what would be nearly a two-decade playing career. During the 1954-55 season, Cherry played 63 games for the Bears and played in his single NHL game with the Boston Bruins.
There were a couple AHL stops along the way for Cherry. The defenseman played for Springfield and Rochester in the 1950s and 1960s.
Cherry went on to coach the Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies in the 1970's.
Today, Cherry is one of the most recognizable personalities in Canada. Cherry is well-known for his "Coaches Corner" on Hockey Night in Canada. He is also frequently seen on TV pitching products. The Kingston native was also part owner of the OHL Mississauga Ice Dogs, stars in a wildly popular hockey video series and owns restaurants across Ontario.
In addition to these ventures he has spent the past year raising funds for Rose Cherry's Home for Kids, a hospice for terminally ill children. Named after his beloved wife (a native of Hershey, PA), who died of cancer in June 1997, Don Cherry has passionately campaigned for the Milton, Ontario hospice both on and off the air.

Scott Sandelin

2007-02-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Today, Scott Sandelin is the Head Coach of the Bulldogs of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Sandelin has turned around the WCHA hockey squad and turned a struggling UMD program into a NCAA Frozen Four participant for the first time in nearly a generation three seasons ago.
Sandelin graduated from North Dakota and signed with the Montreal Canadiens. The Hibbing, MN native played for both Montreal and the Sherbrooke Canadiens before being traed to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Sandelin played parts of three seasons on the blueline with the Hershey Bears between 1988 and 1991. During that period, Sandelin also managed to play 15 games with the parent Philadelphia Flyers.
Sandelin currently lives in Hermantown, MN and is married with a daughter and son.

Jim Montgomery

2007-02-12T01:50:00.000-05:00

Jim Montgomery had one great individual season with the Hershey Bears. In fact, Montgomery led the AHL with 71 assists and registered 105 points for the Bears during the 1995-96 season. However, the Bears could do no better than a 36-33-11 season.
The Montreal native played 16 games with the Bears a season before and picked up 14 points. The majority of Montgomery's AHL time was spent with the Philadelphia Phantoms.
Although the center played in the NHl with the Blues, Canadiens, Sharks, Stars and Flyers, it could be argued his best days were playing for the University of Maine. Montgomery was the 1993 NCAA Championship Tournament MVP, 2nd team All-American and Hockey East First team All-Star.
When his 12 year professional career ended, it was back to college.
Today, Montgomery is an Assistant Coach for RPI hockey of the ECAC. Prior to RPI, Montgomery served as a Volunteer Coach with the University of Notre Dame.

Robin Burns

2007-02-02T18:40:00.000-05:00

Robin Burns played 190 NHL games in the 1970s. He was a decent goal scorer whose career statistics would have been better if his time was spent with better teams.

He was a solid grinder for three years in junior then played two seasons in the CHL with the Houston Apollos. After spending a year with the Montreal Voyageurs of the AHL, Burns was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Montreal Canadiens.

Burns played sparingly for the Pens during his three years with their organization. Between 1971 and 1974 Burns spent the majority of his playing days patrolling the left wing for the Hershey Bears. In 1974, Burns was the top playoff scorer and led the Bears to the Calder Cup. Burns played 178 games for the Bears registering 146 points.

Burns was the co-founder of ITECH hockey over 20 years ago and is part owner of Mission ITECH hockey company.

Bill Inglis

2007-01-26T01:43:00.000-05:00

With his hockey career behind him, Bill Inglis spends the majority of his working at a Fort Worth, Texas golf course. There is still time to play plenty of time golfing and still makes the occasional trip to his summer residence in Pembroke, Ontario.
Inglis had two single season stints with Hershey in the 1970's. Inglis led the Bears in scoring in both of his seasons with Hershey. The Ottawa native registered 138 points in 147 games with the Bears.
Inglis played in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings and during the 1978-79 season he coached the Buffalo Sabres to a 28-19 record.
One Bears game that sticks out in the mind of Inglis was January 5, 1975. "I remember playing the Russians. The big, bad Russians. The arena was sold out. I guess I got lucky and scored a hat trick. We wound up winning 10-7. It was a great game. I remember the Russian coach said afterwards 'We will kidnap that Inglis kid and take him back to Russia'."

Terry Ewasiuk

2007-01-19T01:32:00.000-05:00

"Being part of winning the Calder Cup in 1974 was very exciting. The ability of the team to come back in games was incredible, compiling a record of 12 wins in 14 games. Winning 10 straight playoff games was a league record. We battled back in nine of them to win. Add in we won 4 of 5 sudden death overtime games," remembers left wing Terry Ewasiuk.
The Edmonton, Alberta resident was selected in the 1973 NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was also picked by the Chicago Cougars of the old World Hockey Association.
Ewasiuk played for the Bears between 1973 and 1975. He contributed 71 points over the two seasons and was an important cog in the run to the Bears only Calder Cup victory of the 70's.
At last report, Ewasiuk had over 20 years of service in as a Operation Tech for Dow Chemical. The Smoky Lake, Alberta native is married with three children.

Bob Solinger

2007-01-11T01:23:00.000-05:00

Five Calder Cup Championships. Bob Solinger is one of three players to have won the Calder Cup with three different teams. Thankfully, two of them came while he was patrolling the left wing for the Hershey Bears. The Cup victories came in 1958 and 1959.
Solinger played 225 games with the Bears and tallied 156 points between 1956 and 1960. Other AHL stops included the Cleveland Barons and Pittsburgh Hornets. Solinger was named the 1948 AHL Rookie of the Year.
With all of his AHL accomplishments, the Star City, Saskatchewan native played in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
After hockey, Solinger spent 18 years as a Labor Supervisor for the Government of Alberta. Today, Solinger spends the majority of his time in Mesa, Arizona and still enjoys an occasional game of golf.

Claude Vilgrain

2007-01-05T01:12:00.000-05:00

Is it possible there was an AHL and NHL player born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti? The answer is yes. Claude Vilgrain was born on March 1, 1963 in Haiti. Vilgrain played his junior hockey in Quebec and then headed to the University of Moncton. Along the way, he was drafted in 1982 by the Detroit Red Wings. He then played several years for the Canadian National Team before landing in the AHL in 1988 with the Utica Devils. Vilgrain played in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Calgary resident spent the 1993-94 season with the Bears. The right winger scored 30 goals and registered 83 points in his lone season in Hershey.
Commenting on Hershey in a 2004 interview, "It was the best place I played - and I played in a lot of places. I remember the family atmosphere and the warmth and kindness of the people."
Today, Vilgrain is an Economic Development Agent for "La Chambre economique de l'Alberta."

Lorne Ferguson

2006-12-30T22:03:00.000-05:00

Left winger Lorne Ferguson played 142 games between 1951 and 1954 for the Hershey Bears. The Palmerston, Ontario native was a talented scorer and tallied 158 points while in Central Pennsylvania. Ferguson led the AHL in goal scoring with 45 in 1954 and was named a second team all-star.
Ferguson also made his mark in the NHL with 82 goals in 422 games while playing for the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.
After hockey, Ferguson worked in sports promotions for O'Keefe Brewery and the John Labatt Brewery. Ferguson also spent time as an AHL scout for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Kingston, Ontario resident is married with five children.

Brent Tremblay

2006-12-22T01:54:00.000-05:00

Hershey holds a special place in the heart of former Bears defenseman Brent Tremblay. The North Bay, Ontario native began dating his wife Catherine while playing in the late 1970's for Hershey. Tremblay was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1977 and played parts of two seasons in the National Hockey League.
Today, Tremblay is a pastor at a North Bay Evangelical Church. According to Tremblay, " I have travelled extensively as a missionary aid preaching revivals and crusades while helping to establish churches worldwide."
With five children and work, Tremblay doesn've have much time to do anything else. However, he still manages to find a little time to skate and play hockey.

Ray Kinasewich

2006-12-17T02:39:00.000-05:00

"Kemo" was originally signed with the Detroit Red Wings, but he never got to Motown. There were stops in Edmonton, Seattle, Cleveland, Hershey - but never the big time. From 1959-1962 Kinasewich played right wing for the Hershey Bears. In 208 games he tallied 132 points for the chocolate and white.
After hockey Kinasewich went into the family business running a commercial linen company. The business provides linen service to the healthcare industry in Canada, USA and England.
In his spare time, "Kemo' enjoys playing a round or two of golf.
At last report, the 73 year-old Alberta native was living in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Eric Veilleux

2006-12-10T01:19:00.000-05:00

Eric Veilleux was a favorite of Head Coach Bob Hartley as the Bears won the 1997 Calder Cup over the Hamilton Bulldogs. Veilleux followed Hartley from the Cornwall Aces to the Bears. In two seasons with the Bears, Veilleux scored 123 points and worked as one of the teams top pests.
Now, Veilleux looks to follow Hartley into the NHL coaching ranks one day. In the late 1980's Hartley got his first big break coaching the Hawkesbury Hawks of the Central Junior Hockey League. A few years back, Veilleux got his coaching break with the same Hawkesbury team. Next Hartley was on to the QJMHL and the Laval Titans.
Last year, Veilleux landed the Head Coach postion with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the same QMJHL. So how long will it be before Veilleux is coaching in the AHL or NHL? If he follows in the footsteps of Hartley, the future will include a Memorial Cup, another Calder cup and mayber, just maybe a Stanley Cup.

Paul Jerrard

2006-12-04T02:50:00.000-05:00

For the Winnipeg, Manitoba native it has been a life in hockey. One of the biggest thrills for Paul Jerrard was winning the Calder Cup as a member of the 1997 Hershey Bears. Jerrard played on the blueline for 153 games for Hershey. On Novemeber 5th, 1994 Jerrard scored two shorthanded goals against in the span of 13 seconds. Jerrard totalled 52 points while with the Bears.
Most of Jerrards professional career was spent in the defunct IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings. Jerrard also had a successful career at Lake Superior State.
Jerrard mananged to get a taste of the NHL as a member of the Minnesota North Stars during the 1988-89 season.
Today, Jerrard is an Assistant Coach of the Iowa Stars of the AHL.

Lorne Davis

2006-11-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I loved Hershey. We got to know most of the fans. In the bigger cities the fans disappear after the games. In Hershey, you would see them in town or out shopping. I also enjoyed driving around the area. I would take trips to Gettysburg and Hanover Farms, " Lorne Davis (2001).
It is hard to believe the number of towns and cities Davis played in during his 15 year professional career. Try Victoria, Montreal, Vancouver, Buffalo, Edmonton, Detroit, Chicago , Providence, Boston, Saskatoon, Muskegon, Winnipeg and of course Hershey. In the time of the six team NHL, Davis played for four of them.
Davis spent the mid 1950's with the Bears playing right wing. Davis tallied 114 games over 177 games while in Hershey. The Regina native also played just under 100 NHL games.
After his playing career, Davis became a scout. He spent 34 years scouting and also served as Co-Coach of the 1980 Canadian Olympic Team at Lake Placid. As a member of the Edmonton Oilers scouting staff, Davis was involved in the selection of Grant Fuhr and Paul Coffey.
Like so many other Bears alumni, Davis enjoys golfing when he gets the opportunity. Davis never got too far from home, he still lives in Regina.

Pete Ford

2006-11-24T01:31:00.000-05:00

Pete Ford played 223 with the Hershey Bears in the late 1960's. He never made it to the NHL. Ford turned pro in 1962 in the old Eastern Professional Hockey League and finally called it quits in 1974 after a season with the Macon Whoopees of the Southern Hockey League. From there it was senior hockey in Ontario. The American League was as good as it got for Ford. He also played parts of three seasons with the rival Baltimore Clippers. However, his ultimate achievement in the AHL was winning the Calder Cup as a member of the 1969 Bears.
The 64-year old is currently a resident of beautiful Gananoque, Ontario an at last report was the owner of a house painting business.

Ed Chadwick

2006-11-19T10:22:00.000-05:00

"I wish I could have finished my career in Hershey."
Goaltender Ed Chadwick spent 2 seasons in the early 1960's with the Hershey Bears and fell in love with the community. In a 2000 interview Chadwick reflected on his time in Central Pennsylvania. "We lived in the apartments behind the arena and near the zoo. My daughter got to know the zookeeper and she use to feed the animals. The guys that worked at the area also worked at the rides during the summer. They would take care of the kids. We would just send them over to the park."
Chadwick also spent a significant amount of time in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. When his playing career was over Chadwick moved into the scouting role. Chadwick was instrumental in drafting Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin while with the New York Islanders. His last 19 years were spent scouting for the Edmonton Oilers.
Chadwick is now retired and spend the majority of his time in Fort Erie, Ontario

Ralph Willis

2006-11-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

Ralph Willis spent two seasons patrolling the blueline at the old HersheyPark Arena. "They were great times, it was a great town to play hockey in. Coming out of junior everybody wanted to play in Hershey, " accordiing to Willis.
The professional career for Willis was short. After the two seasons in Hershey, Willis was off to Windsor and Quebec to play senior amateur hockey. When hockey was over Willis went into the family business as a butcher. In his spare time Willis also raised a few standard bred horses.
The 73 year old now makes his home in the Ontario wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Hec Lalande

2006-11-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Hec Lalande was from North Bay and he never got too far away from the Northern Ontario city. Lalande broke into the NHL during the 1953-54 season with the Chicago Blackhawks and continued playing with various professional teams until 1968. In between the centerman played 266 games for the Hershey Bears. He also picked up two Calder Cup Championships with the Bears. As a member of the Bears, Lalande scored over 200 points and led the AHL in assists and points in the 1961 playoffs.
After hockey Lalande coached local hockey and baseball teams in North Bay. He also was active in organizing and coaching sled hockey for disabled athletes. It seems many former players remember the Hershey area for the golf, for Lalande it was the hunting available in the area.
Lalande has three children, two of which were born in Central Pennsylvania. One in Harrisburg and one in Hershey.

Guido Tenesi

2006-11-01T09:48:00.000-05:00

To fans of the classic hockey movie "Slapshot" Guido Tenesi is better known as the Charlestown Chiefs pretty boy Billy Charlebois. In the 1977 movie Charlebois hails from Moose Jaw, but in real life Tenesi is originally from Detroit. The American headed to Oshawa to play junior hockey and was eventually drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tenesi's stay in Hershey was short. The defenseman played a total of 14 games over 2 seasons in the mid-1970s. Tenesi never scored a point with the Bears. His most productive seasons came as a member of the Eastern League's Johnstown Jets.
At last report, Tenesi was living in the Toronto area and was in the pool cleaning business

Todd Bidner

2006-10-27T10:23:00.000-04:00

In 1984-85 Todd Bidner had his most successful professional hockey season to date. As a member of the AHL's Adirondack Red Wings, Bidner contributed 57 points. By that time, the center had already put his time in with the Hershey Bears and even played 12 games with the Washington Capitals. The 1985-86 season was spent over the pond in Scotland playing for the Fife Flyers. In 31 games, Bidner scored an amazing 123 points. However, that was nothing compared to the following season in the British National League with the Peterborough Pirates. The Petrolia, Ontario native put up Gretzky like numbers. In a mere 29 games, Bidner registered 191 points - including 79 goals. Eight and nine point games were not uncommon. Bidner spent 15 years in the United Kingdom becoming one of the great stars of modern hockey history.
Today, Bidner and his wife live in Camlachie, Ontario with their two kids. Bidner serves as an Assistant Coach of the OHL's London Knights.

Alec Tidey

2006-10-23T00:20:00.000-04:00

It's easy to catch up with former Hershey Bears star Alec Tidey. Check out Tidey's Trophies & Promotional Products on the web or while in North Vancouver. Tidey opened the business back in 1980 and the it is still going strong.
As a member of the Bears, Tidey played 202 games in the late 1970's and registered 157 points over parts of three seasons.
Tidey played in both the WHA with the San Diego Mariners and in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers. The Vancouver native played with Wayne Gretzky in the 'Great Ones' initial NHL season.
Oddly enough, has played numerous games as a member of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni team although he never played for the team

Nelson Burton

2006-10-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

108 games for the Hershey Bears in the late 1970's. Doesn't seem like enough time to pickup 527 penalty minutes, but Nelson Burton worked hard at it. In 1978-1979 his 204 minutes was third on the Bears, behind Archie Henderson and Gary Rissling. It was during his two seasons in Hershey in which Burton made it to the NHL with the Washington Capitals. Although the Sydney, Nova Scotia native played only 8 games in the NHL, he did manage to score a single goal. The single goal beat Hall of Fame goaltender Tony Esposito.
After Hershey and Washington, there were stops in Nashville, Erie, Nova Scotia, Syracuse and Baltimore.
Today, Burton operates Nelson Hockey at the Laurel Gardens Ice House while at the same time coaching the Tri-City Eagle Midget AA team. He is also the Head Coach of the University of Maryland Terrapins Ice Hockey club.
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Check out Hometown Hockey for features on other minor league players of the past

Bill Armstrong

2006-10-15T23:40:00.000-04:00

Bill Armstrong was born in London, Ontario and has returned to London as a Real Estate Agent. In between, Armstrong had a successful professional career which included 192 games with the Hershey Bears from 1989-1992. Armstrong scored 72 goals during his stay in Chocolatetown.
The 40 year old made his only NHL appearance during the 1990-91 season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Other Pro stops included Utica, Albany, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit , Orlando, Kansas City and Grand Rapids.
During his career, Armstrong perfected the lacrosse style goal University Of Michigan's Mike Legg made famous in 1997. Truth be known, it was Armstrong who taught the London-native Legg how to do the move. Armstrong scored a 8 lacrosse style goals during his pro career.
Armstong is married with a son and daugter. He also coached the Senior "A" Brantford Blast during the 2005-2006 season. This season, Armstrong serves as Assistant Coach of the Guelph Storm of the OHL.

Mike Stothers

2006-10-11T23:50:00.000-04:00

Mike Stothers is back for another season as Head Coach of the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. The Toronto native played from 1984 to 1992 with the Hershey Bears. He later served as Assistant Coach for the Bears in the mid-1990s. While with the Bears, Stothers piled up 1519 minutes in penalties and remains the all-time leader in time in the box.
Stothers did manage to play 30 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers and hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. The defenseman was originally a first round pick of the Flyers in 1980.
Stothers is married with two daughters and enjoys spending family time at his cottage during the summer months.

Bruce Cline

2006-10-07T00:16:00.000-04:00

After hockey, Bruce Cline worked in many fields. Cline was a restaurant owner, a hockey stick salesman, real estate agent and owner of two clothing stores. Today, Cline and his wife of 52 years, Elyse, are settled in Drummondville, Quebec. The Massawippi, PQ native still finds time to skate and plays golf at every opportunity.
The right wing spent most of the mid 1960's in Hershey with the Bears. In 299 games, Cline scored 97 goals and 229 points. Cline also played in the AHL with the Providence Reds, Buffalo Bisons and Springfield Indians. He was AHL rookie of the year in 1956 and won four Calder Cups. When it was all said and done, Cline produced 773 AHL points
His NHL consisted of 30 games with the New York Rangers during the 1956-57 season.

Greg Theberge

2006-10-03T06:50:00.000-04:00

"The Bears organization was very good to me as a player and as a member of the community," according to Greg Theberge. The defenseman has great success with Hershey making the all-star team and breaking Ralph Keller's record for points by a d-man in a single season. Of course there was also the Calder Cup victory of 1980.
Hockey has always been a big part of Theberge's life as his grandfather Dit Clapper won three Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins and is a member of the Hockey hall of Fame.
Theberge spent parts of 5 seasons in the NHL with the Washington Capitals before embarking on a career in Europe.
The Peterborough native eventually moved to North Bay, Ontario and remains active in coaching.

Bart Bradley Dead At Age 76

2006-09-29T00:56:00.000-04:00

Bart Bradley spent a lifetime in hockey. First as a player, then as a scout. A well-respected hockey man. The Fort William, Ontario native settled in Delta, British Columbia after 30 years of scouting with the Boston Bruins.
Bradley spent a single season with the Hershey Bears. The center registered 35 points in 61 games during the 1949-1950 season. It was during this season Bradley played his only NHL game with the Boston Bruins. Other pro teams included the Tulsa Oilers, Tacoma Rockets, New Westminster Royals , Victoria Cougars and Seattle Americans.
Bradley's son now serves as Director of Amateur Scouting for the Bruins. As a scout, Bart Bradley was instrumental in bringing Cam Neely and Brad Park to Boston.
After hockey, Golf became Bradley's new sport. He started playing golf while at Hershey but only played at the Herhsey County Club once. He missed the opportunity to see golf professional Ben Hogan play.
Bradley passed away earlier this month after a several month battle with pneumonia.

Les Duff

2006-09-28T22:00:00.000-04:00

Les Duff was one of the greatest AHL hockey players during the 1950's and 1960's. Duff played left wing for the Pittsburgh Hornets , Rochester Americans and Hershey Bears. The Kirkland Lake, Ontario native played over 900 AHL games and produced 414 points. The Calder Cup seemed to follow Duff, winning the AHL Championship five times.
Duff's brother was recently elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Dick Duff won six Stanley Cups witht he Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now a resident of Toronto, Les Duff spent 23 years with the Toronto Transit Commision before retiring. Today, hobbies include walking, golf and crossword puzzles.

Mark Marquess

2006-09-24T08:57:00.000-04:00

In the late 1940's Mark Marquess was the resident musician of the AHL's Hershey Bears. Marquess and his guitar spent five seasons in Hershey, only interupted by a trip to the NHL with the Boston Bruins. Marquess freely admits his days in Hershey were the best of his long professional career that saw him play for teams like the Tacoma Rockets, Seattle Bombers, Victoria Cougars and the WHL's Vancouver Canucks. To this day, Marquess keeps in touch with former Bears teammates Penti Lund, Buck Jones, Bart Bradley and Fern Flaman from his East Wenatchee, Washington home.
Marquess has another small connection to Hershey through his grandson Kyle Harris. Several years back, Harris was roommates with current Bears star Mike Green while playing junior with the Saskatoon Blades.
Today, the 81-year old Marquess boasts good health and takes every opportunity to play golf.

Paul Hoganson

2006-09-20T20:28:00.000-04:00

Paul Hoganson still drinks his morning coffee out of a Hershey, Pennsylvania mug. Hoganson, a native of Toronto, played a single season in goal for the Hershey Bears before bolting to the WHA and the Los Angeles Sharks. There were many stops along the way for Hoganson, teams like the Amarillo Wrangles, Fort Wayne Komets, Tulsa Oilers, Greensboro Generals, Binghamton Dusters and many , many more. As a matter of fact from 1966 to 1979 there were 19 hometown cities. Hoganson never stayed around too long. His last season was in the PHL with the Tucson Rustlers. Hoganson must have liked it as he remains in the Arizona city.

Bruce Hoffort

2006-09-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

Bruce Hoffort played goal for the Hershey Bears in the late 1980's and early 1990's. In theory, his AHL career never matched his NHL career. Hoffort played nine games for the Philadelphia Flyers and never lost a single one. Four wins, three ties and zero losses. Hard to believe Hoffort never got another chance to lose a game in the NHL. In 58 games for the Bears, Hoffort lost 30 to go along with 19 wins.
Hoffort's biggest moments came playing for the Lake Superior State Lakers where he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and in the late 1980's one of the best college goaltenders, if not the best.

Bryan Erickson

2006-09-09T20:45:00.000-04:00

If you are looking to buy a car in the Roseau, Minnesota area, Bryan Erickson is your man. The longtime Team USA player owns and operates Bryan Erickson Auto in Northern Minnesota. Erickson is back home after a long career in amateur, international and professional hockey.
Erickson turned pro with the Hershey Bears directly out of the University of Minnesota. After a single regular season game with the chocolate and white, Ericksson netted his first pro goal in the 1983 Calder Cup playoffs. He liked it so much, he scored two more to complete the hat trick.
Erickson spent half of the 1983-84 season in Hershey before landing the coveted NHL position with the Washington Capitals. In all, Erickson compiled 205 points in the NHL with the Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ray Getliffe

2006-09-04T18:21:00.000-04:00

One of your older Bear Alumni, Ray Getliffe had a very short run in Chocolatetown. When Getliffe arrived in Hershey during the 1938-39 season he was already an established NHL star with Boston Bruins. The talented forward was sent to Hershey on an injury rehabilitation assignment. In four games with the Bears, Getliffe picked up a goal and four assists. Then it was back to the NHL. Getliffe was an effective left winger and a Stanley Cup champion during his nine seasons. However, Getliffe may be best known for giving Montreal Canadien star Maurice Richard the nickname "Rocket."
Now 91 years old, the London, Ontario resident still plays golf and spent a day with the Stanley Cup earlier this summer.

Steve Scheifele

2006-09-01T03:09:00.000-04:00

A hockey player from Greenbelt, Maryland? Sure. The following is the wacky hockey travels of "Scheif." Left Maryland to play junior in Stratford, Ontario. Drafted by the OHL Toronto Marlboros, decided to head to Boston College. The first non- New Englander recruit by the B.C. Eagles. Took time out his freshman year to wreck Brian Leetch's Volvo. Headed to Moscow as a member of the USA World Junior National Team. While in Russia played with John LeClair, Jeremy Roenick and other future NHL stars. Left Boston College early to sign with Bobby Clarke and the Philadelphia Flyers. Two years in the minors split between the Hershey Bears and the ECHL Richmond Renegades. Held the ECHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a game. Then it was over.
Today, Scheifele resides in Florida and is knee deep in the insurance game. Extra time is now spent out on his boat fishing the weekends away.
Steve's favorite websites www.fishreports.net & www.benjerry.com

Roger DeJordy

2006-08-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

A great, great scorer while wearing the Chocolate and Black of the Bears. DeJordy played in Central Pennsylvania from 1962 to 1970. Although he never lead the Bears in single season scoring, the Quebec native ranks 5th all-time in goals with 222 and 7th overall with 448 points while with the Bears.
At last contact, Dejordy was living in Edmonton and working part-time at Edmonton Northlands Race Track. Prior to the track, DeJordy took an early retirement from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where he managed the ice arena for 27 years.
One of DeJordy's greatest memories in hockey was the Calder Cup Championship won with the Bears in 1969.

Daniel "Butch" Bouchard

2006-08-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

When contacted a couple years ago for a "Where Are They Now?" article for the Hershey Bears game program, Dan Bouchard was living in Marietta, Georgia and coaching hockey at Life University.
Bouchard played in 655 NHL games with the Atlanta Flames, Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. Bouchard won 286 NHl games. However, it was with the Hershey Bears that the Quebec native picked up his first professional victory.
After a successful Ontario Hockey Association season with the Londo Knights, Bouchard turned pro with the Bears in 1970. Bouchard played 36 games while posting a goals against average of 3.13.
Bouchard was a pioneer of sorts, he was one of the first goalies to play with a curved stick. Today, Bouchard spends as much time as possible on the golf course.

Alvin "Buck" Jones

2006-08-22T22:38:00.000-04:00

My favorite Hershey Bears player of all-time. Alvin "Buck" Jones played for the Chocolate and White from 1948 to 1950. His stint in Hershey was well after his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1930s and 1940s. Jones played a total of 131 NHL games and was know as a tough defenseman who battled toe to toe with Boston Bruin great Eddie Shore.
While with the Red Wings, Jones played with future Hall of Famers Sid Abel, Tiny Thompson, Herbie Lewis, Marty Barry, Charlie Conacher and Syd Howe.
According to Jones, "I do believe the two seasons I was in Hershey were the most memorable years in my hockey career."
His summers in Hershey were spent landscaping at the Hershey Hotel. Gardening remains an interest for the 88 year old resident of Tampa. Jones and his wife, Anna Kay, also are active as volunteers at Tampa General Hospital.
Jones's two sons didn't follow in Buck's footsteps. Each earned football scholarships to Division I schools.
(Photos: Jones with the Bears, Jones at his residence at 222 Cocoa Avenue in Hershey)

Scotty Alexander Dies at Age 93

2006-08-21T21:52:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week William "Scotty" Alexander passed away at the age of 93. Alexander played a single game for the Bears in the 1950's. Alexander moved from Baltimore to Hershey and became the Bears trainer in the mid-1940s. A position he held well into the 1970s.
His single game was during the 1953-54 season in Buffalo as a replacement for the injured Gordie "Red" Henry. According to Obie O'Brien, "We had 16 players and a trainer. He played well for us but we lost. We tried to let him see the puck and push people out in front of him." Alexander also served as backup goaltender in 1940 with the old Baltinore Orioles of the Eastern League.
Alexander fame in Hershey is legendary. From Scotty Alexander puck night to a feature picture and article in the game day program, the former trainer is betterr known then many former players. To former Bear players ,he is mentioned in the same breath as Mike Nykoluk and Frank Mathers.
(photos: Alexander featured on the cover of a game program & rare 1940 picture of Alexander in a Baltimore Orioles Eastern Hockey League uniform)