The Hershey Bears' game against the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday night was a special occasion, as it brought together several former players and coaches who had contributed to the team's success in recent years. Among them were Hendrix Lapierre and Vincent Iorio, two former roommates who had played a crucial role in the Bears' Calder Cup victories in 2023 and 2024. The event also featured current Capitals assistant coach Patrick Wellar, as well as other retired or overseas-based former Calder Cup champions, including Chase Priskie, Garrett Roe, and Jake Massie.
Lapierre, Iorio, Massie, and Wellar were all integral parts of the Bears' championship-winning teams, while Priskie and Roe, who is now retired, were part of the 2024 squad. The 2024 Bears have already secured a spot in the AHL playoffs and are striving to improve their playoff position in the Atlantic Division. This year's team has been a force to be reckoned with, and their success is a testament to the strong foundation laid by these former players.
Lapierre, in particular, had a notable season with the Capitals, recording 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) in 74 games, often playing a bottom-six role. His performance earned him a restricted free agent status this summer after signing a one-year, $850k deal with the Caps last July. Wellar, on the other hand, earned a promotion to the Capitals' staff after Mitch Love was fired in October, serving as the team's defense coach under head coach Spencer Carbery.
Iorio's journey this season has been a bit more turbulent. He started with the Capitals but was claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks shortly after the regular season began in October. He played 21 games for the Sharks before being waived again and claimed by the New York Rangers, where he played six games. Priskie and Massie, both of whom played in the KHL this year, had impressive seasons as well. Priskie recorded 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) in 50 games for Sibir Novosibirsk, while Massie recorded 25 points (8 goals, 17 assists) in 67 games for Barys Astana.
Despite the Bears' loss to the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday night, the team's performance this season has been a testament to the strong foundation laid by these former players. With a return to the AHL playoffs already secured and a fight for a better playoff position in the Atlantic Division, the Bears are poised for another successful season. The presence of these former players and coaches at the game was a reminder of the team's rich history and the impact they have had on the franchise's success.
