"The Beasts of the East" - Hershey Bears fans elated as they head to Calder Cup finals

By Nathan Grella

Modified Jun 03, 2023 05:51 GMT

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In a thrilling Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final, the Hershey Bears showcased their defensive prowess and unwavering resilience as they emerged triumphant over the Rochester Americans with a nail-biting 1-0 victory. The Bears' defense, along with the exceptional performance of goaltender Hunter Shepard, played a pivotal role in shutting out the Americans, bouncing back from a challenging game just two days prior. With this hard-fought win, the Bears advanced to the highly anticipated Calder Cup Final, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Western Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Admirals and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Dominant Defensive Display by the Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears' defensive unit took center stage in Game 6, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround from their previous outing. They expertly stifled the offensive attempts of the Rochester Americans, displaying exceptional positioning and frustrating the opposing forwards. Led by standout performances from players like Shane Gersich, the Bears showcased the importance of a cohesive and disciplined defensive approach.

Hunter Shepard's Heroics

Hunter Shepard, the former back-to-back NCAA Championship goaltender from the UMD Bulldogs, exhibited remarkable resilience and exceptional skill in the crucial Game 6. He displayed unwavering composure under pressure, making a series of sensational saves to deny all 24 shots he faced. Shepard's acrobatics and unwavering determination served as an inspiration to his teammates and played a significant role in securing the hard-earned shutout victory.

Gersich's Game-Winning Goal

Shane Gersich emerged as the hero of the game, scoring the lone goal with just eight minutes remaining in the second period. Gersich's timely contribution proved to be the decisive factor in a tightly contested goalie duel. His ability to seize the scoring opportunity showcased his offensive prowess and proved instrumental in securing the Bears' well-deserved triumph.

A Goalie Duel

The game witnessed an intense battle between Hershey's Shepard and Rochester's Malcolm Subban. While Shepard stole the show with his flawless shutout performance, Subban showcased his own remarkable skills, making 18 saves and displaying resilience throughout the game. Both goaltenders demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and kept their respective teams in contention until the final whistle.

Looking Ahead

With the Eastern Conference Final victory, the Hershey Bears eagerly await the outcome of the Western Conference Finals series between the Milwaukee Admirals and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The Bears' previous encounter with the Admirals in the 2009 Calder Cup Final adds an extra layer of anticipation to the potential matchup. The Bears will undoubtedly prepare diligently, harnessing their recent success and aiming to capture the Calder Cup championship.