Golden Goaldtending Can’t Save Hershey Bears In Home Loss for thehockeywriters.com

December 3, 2013December 11, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

With the memory of Friday night’s loss still fresh in their minds, the Bears faced the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday for what would turn out to be a repeat performance. Despite incredible goaltending by David Leggio, Hershey fell to the Baby Penguins 4-2.

After a disappointing loss at the Mohegan Sun Arena two nights ago, Hershey looked to improve their home record and welcome the Baby Pens to one of the rowdiest rinks in the AHL.

“(Our home record) is a big concern.” Coach Mike Haviland said after Saturday’s game, “We have to get away from feeling comfortable at home… This building is the best building to play in. When teams come in here they think it’s an amazing thing. There’s 8,500, 10,000 people a night. It’s a great crowd. It’s a beautiful building. Teams are excited to play here. If you’re in the American Hockey League, you’re excited to play here. And we, for some reason, decide that we don’t want to play here. We just want to go through the motions here… We have to make this a tough building to come into.”

The Bears started Saturday night with zest as defenseman David Kolomatis and alternate captain Jeff Taffe drilled home two goals less than half way through the first period. It also didn’t take long for these teams’ dislike for each other to surface as five players were penalized for fighting and roughing in the first 20 minutes of the game. In a period that saw the home team out-shot 12-7, the Chocolate and White led the Penguins into the first intermission 2-0.

After an action-packed first period, the Bears lost control of the game. Chris Conner, Harry Zolnierczyk and Tom Kuhnhackl of W-B/Scranton all tallied goals in the second period.

“We stopped playing, we stopped moving our feet,” Coach Mike Haviland said of his team. “(The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) work hard, they chip pucks, they play a simple, simple game,” Haviland commented. “They wait for you to make mistakes, they frustrate you.”

Around the 12 minute mark of the third period, defenseman Chay Genoway fired a shot at goalie Jeff Deslauriers that faked out spectators and players alike–the lamp lit, the crowd cheered, but after review it was decided the puck never crossed the red line. Coach Haviland was among the number who thought the goal was good:

“I thought it went in… would have been a nice little break for us.”

With just two minutes left to play, the Penguins hammered the final nail in the coffin with a goal by Andrew Ebbett. A frustrating night for the entire Bears organization, but possibly none more so than goaltender Leggio. Named one of the three stars of Saturday’s game, Leggio’s magic mitts weren’t enough to drag his team back from a 2 goal deficit.

“The goalie makes unbelievable saves. If he wasn’t in there it could have been 6, 7,” Haviland commented on Leggio’s performance. “We have to play better in front of (Leggio). It’s not a goalie issue right now. We don’t have a goalie issue.”

“(The Club) is pulling guys in, we’re pulling guys out, we’re calling guys up now, we’re trying to send messages to guys, we’re benching guys, you’ve got to push buttons.”

Early on Saturday, The Bears announced they had recalled T.J. Syner from the Reading Royals, and the forward made his 2013-2014 Hershey debut that same night. Syner joined Hershey late in the 2011-2012 season after playing four years at the University of Massachusetts where he was a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award. He was among the players to make a positive impression on Coach Haviland on Saturday:

“We need speed. He’s been playing outstanding on all the reports we got… I thought he played great tonight. We need more speed in the lineup, we need to get up and get after teams, and I think speed kills. And certainly he and Walker were our best two guys up front tonight. They got up and got after it.”

Hershey dropped to 1-2-1-0 at home, and will meet the Norfolk Admirals at the GIANT Center today at 5pm.

Originally published at http://thehockeywriters.com/golden-goaldtending-couldnt-save-hershey-bears/

T.J. Syner Returns to the Reading Royals for thehockeywriters.com

November 23, 2013December 11, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

Although separated by only 50 miles, the journey from Hershey to Reading can seem long for an ECHL player eying an AHL roster spot. Movement between the Washington Capitals, the Hershey Bears and the Reading Royals has been free-flowing early this season, with players like Dmitry Orlov being recalled to the NHL, and others being re-assigned to the ECHL.

“(The Club) is pulling guys in, we’re pulling guys out, we’re calling guys up now, we’re trying to send messages to guys, we’re benching guys, you’ve got to push buttons,” Coach Mike Haviland said after a November loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Last Minute Re-Assignment an Opportunity to Stand Out

Early on November 2nd, The Bears announced they had recalled T.J. Syner from the Reading Royals, and the forward made his 2013-2014 Hershey debut that same night. Syner joined Hershey late in the 2011-2012 season after playing four years at the University of Massachusetts where he was a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award. Although Hershey lost to the Baby Penguins 4-2, Syner was among the players to make a positive impression on Coach Haviland during the November 2nd game:

“I need to wait for an opportunity to present itself, and I need to be ready when it does.”

After two Bears games and recording five penalty minutes, Syner returned to Hershey’s ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals, in time to help his flu-ravaged team to victory against the Wheeling Nailers on November 20th. With six or seven players out sick that night, Reading struggled to match Wheeling’s intense physical game.

“They work really hard, they finish every check,” Syner commented on the Nailers. “It’s hockey—you’ve gotta be able to take a hit. They’re good at that, getting under your skin.”

“I didn’t think the first half of the game we were very good,” Royals Coach Larry Courville recalled. “ I didn’t feel we played with enough passion, energy, heart—all the things you need to be successful. And then halfway through the game, I think we got our legs.”

After a scoreless overtime, the Reading Royals out-scored the Wheeling Nailers in a shootout, bringing the team’s record against the Nailers to 4-0-0-0.

With a win on his first night back in Reading, Syner reflected on his time in Hershey and what the rest of the season may hold:

“(My time with the Hershey Bears) was a good experience,” Syner said. “It’s better to be playing down here than to be sitting in the stands up there. I’ve just got to wait for my opportunity again. The season is long… I need to wait for an opportunity to present itself, and I need to be ready when it does.”

Originally published at http://thehockeywriters.com/t-j-syner-returns-reading-royals/

Annie Erling Gofus also writes for Olympus Athletics. Follow Annie on Twitter (@AnnieErGo) or email her at annie.erling@gmail.com.

Weekly Wedding Look: Lovely Lavender

November 5, 2013November 8, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

Elegant and simple, lavender is the perfect inspiration for a classic bridal look. Slip into Winifred Bean’s breathtaking Petals dress—a silk, scoop-necked bodice flows into a romantic skirt layered in lovely tulle. Bring a blush of color to this gorgeous gown by cinching your waist with a lavender ribbon. Reflect this bloom’s purple hue in your perfectly polished lilac nails, and tuck all your essentials into a lavender clutch. Contrast pale purple accessories with a dark plum Swarovski crystal necklace and black suede booties. And don’t forget your handsome groom—add a splash of lavender to his slate gray suit with a pretty purple linen tie.

Originally posted to http://winifredbean.com/blog/2013/10/30/weekly-wedding-look-lovely-lavender by Annie Erling Gofus

Hershey Bears vs Hartford Wolf Pack: Photos

October 29, 2013December 11, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

After three years as the Connecticut Whale, the Hartford Wolf Pack is celebrating its return to a more predatory moniker by preying on the Hershey Bears. No offense to whales, but an entire pack of bloodthirsty wolves is much scarier than a pod of marine mammals, and Hartford lived up to its name change at Saturday’s game. Hartford battled through a second period deficit to come out of Giant Center with a 4-3 victory over Hershey.

Read more here…

Click an image to start the slideshow!

Hershey Bears Assistant Captain Garett Mitchell and Hartford Wolf Pack Forward Danny Kristo

Hershey Bears Assistant Captain Jeff Taffe and Center Matt Watkins

Hershey Bears Defenseman Connor Carrick

Hershey Bears Forward Brandon Segal

Hershey Bears Forward Matt Watkins

Hershey Bears Goaltender Philipp Grubauer

Hershey Bears Assistant Captain Garrett Mitchell

Hershey Bears Defenseman Cameron Schilling

Hershey Bears Defenseman Chay Genoway and Hartford Wolf Pack Forward Shawn O’Donnell

Hershey Bears David Kolomatis, Brandon Segal, Derek Whitmore

Hartford Wolf Pack Top Hershey Bears via thehockeywriters.com

October 27, 2013March 21, 2014 / annerling / Leave a comment

After three years as the Connecticut Whale, the Hartford Wolf Pack is celebrating its return to a more predatory moniker by preying on the Hershey Bears. No offense to whales, but an entire pack of bloodthirsty wolves is much scarier than a pod of marine mammals, and Hartford lived up to its name change at Saturday’s game. Hartford battled through a second period deficit to come out of Giant Center with a 4-3 victory over Hershey.

Hoping for the first home win since last spring, 8,001 fans cheered on the Bears at the Giant Center. Lighting the lamp first, Bears’ Assistant Captain Taffe found the back of the net with a little help from Dmitry Orlov who tallied his fifth point in two games. Late in the first, by freak accident or sheer force from the 210-pound d-man, Orlov’s stick snapped in two allowing Wolf Pack Center Oscar Lindberg to score.

Hershey Bears Defenseman Chay Genoway moments after scoring. (Annie Erling Gofus/The Hockey Writers)

Hartford opened the second period by scoring on a Power Play, but Hershey answered with two consecutive goals. Blueliner Chay Genoway scored with an assist from Connor Carrick and Tyler Ruegsegger, followed by a goal from Michael Latta who got the assist from Tyson Strachan and Matt Watkins.

“We couldn’t seem to get any flow to our game and it definitely showed.”

The Chocolate and White strolled into the third period leading 3-2, which was about the same time that the Wolf Pack’s killer instincts kicked in. New York Rangers forward prospect Danny Kristo sunk one in on a power-play at the front end of the third, followed only five minutes later by a snap shot from Andrew Yogan. Although they had 11 minutes and 33 seconds to retaliate, this Bear Sleuth couldn’t muster the strength to tie the game. Holding last place in the East Division, Saturday’s loss dropped the Bears to a 1-3-1-0 record through five games.

“It’s just unacceptable coming out in the third period like that,” Genoway said after Saturday’s loss. “We’ve got to learn to react better when the other team scores or ties the game up… We talked a lot in the second period. All the right things were said. We just came out flat. We couldn’t seem to get any flow to our game and it definitely showed.”

“We took another lazy penalty and they score a goal on it,” Bears head coach Mike Haviland said. “We seemed to get back on our heels a little bit. And then, again, we decide to play the last four minutes and go after them a little bit.”

“We have to go after teams all the time. And it has to be in waves and it has to be everybody and it can’t be three or four guys. We had too many passengers tonight. You can’t play the game with passengers. We need everybody on board.”

Not All Heartache Last Night

While a rough night for the Bears, there are two happier occurrences to note about Saturday’s game. The first being that the super young anthemist totally nailed The National Anthem. And the second was Coco the Bear looking on as a Hershey fan get down on one knee and propose to his girlfriend—she said yes! Now that your heart has warmed slightly, remember that the Hershey Bears close their weekend series by facing the Norfolk Admirals today at the Giant Center at 5pm.

Originally posted to http://thehockeywriters.com/hartford-wolf-pack-drop-hershey-4-3/ by Annie Erling Gofus

Friday Round Up For WinifredBean.co

October 25, 2013October 27, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

It can be argued that October is the best month of the year. Crisp autumn air fills your lungs as you stroll under the fire-hued leaves of apple trees. And even if picking apples and watching the leaves change colors doesn’t appeal to you, few can resist the festivities (and candy) that come along with Halloween. Skip the bags of chocolate and whip up a batch of ooey-gooey cupcakes in your cauldron. Slip into something a little more spooky and check out Martha Stewart’s amazing do-it-yourself Halloween makeup tutorials. Let the season inspire your table with painted pint-sized pumpkins as centerpieces. Add flare to your autumn wedding with gorgeous blind press invitations, and an unforgettable “guest book”—have guests sign blank Jenga tiles to create a fun and unique way to remember your special day!

1. Halloween Mini Cupcakes via Bon Appetit; Image via Martha Stewart | 2. Painted Pumpkin Centerpieces via Green Wedding Shoes | 3. Blind Press Invitations via Brooklyn Bride | 4. Jenga Guest Book via Snippet and Ink | 5. Halloween Makeup Tutorials via Martha Stewart |

Friday Round Up for WinifredBean.com

October 4, 2013October 27, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

September is one of the world’s most fashionable months, with Spring 2014 collections premiering on runways from New York City to London, and now in Milan. And after weeks of work, fashion’s top models look as beautiful on Italian runways as they did in New York earlier this month. So how do they manage to look so gorgeous so consistently? Snag fool-proof makeup and hair tips from the pros who style these beauties before they hit the runway. To keep your makeup in all the right places, never skip a high quality foundation primer—try Laura Mercier’s must-have face product. If you were lucky enough to kick up your heels at a Fashion Week party or two, celebrate this weekend with cheesy, saucy carbs. Make a pilgrimage to each of New York’s 10 best pizza joints—from gouda-melted in Greenwich to jalapeno-dotted in Bushwick. Tame wild tresses with a wavy, romantic take on the classic milkmaid braid. Once you’ve mastered the sweet look, browse fairytale-inspired engagement rings online. Not your classic solitaire, this collection of rings ranges from Art Deco to simple vintage—there’s a to-die-for gem for every taste in this sparkling collection.

Originally posted to http://winifredbean.com/blog/2013/9/24/friday-round-up by Annie Erling Gofus

Weekly Wedding Look: Just Peachy for WinifredBean.com

September 30, 2013October 21, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

Gather inspiration for your bridal style from the blush tones of an autumn peach harvest. Start your look with the elegant Winifred Bean Calla Lily gown—a strapless bustier is combined with a classic trumpet skirt to complete a sweet and structured bridal gown. Show your soft side with pale pink and gold on your eyes, rosy cheeks, and glossy nude lips. Peach and blue heels guide you down the aisle, and don’t forget sparkly jewels to add a touch of glamour—simple peach-tones gems dangle from your ears, while a bedazzled bib necklace brings glitz to your simple style. As the sun sets and the air begins to cool, stay warm with a cashmere scarf wrapped your shoulders, and maybe a little help from your handsome groom.

Originally posted to http://winifredbean.com/blog/2013/9/25/weekly-wedding-look-just-peachy-part-ii by Annie Erling Gofus

Wedding Features: Calla Lily Gown: Winifred Bean | Chantecaille The Coral Reefs Eye Makeup Palette via Bloomingdale’s | Suzanne Kalan Rose Gold and Salmon Earrings via Thomas Laine | Bib Neckalce via Dannijo | Chan Luu Scarf via Net-a-Porter | Andree Patchwork T-Bar Platforms via Reiss |

Hershey Bears Drop Utica 6-0 in Pre-Season Opener

September 29, 2013December 11, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

The Hershey Bears’ new coaching staff made a stellar debut on Friday night with a win against the Utica Comets. New bench boss Mike Haviland saw six of his players score in a game where visiting Utica tallied zero on the scoreboard. Five of the six goal-scorers donned the Chocolate and White for the first time last night, proving this young team has excellent potential to start a new era of Bears hockey.

The first to find the back of the net was Nathan Walker, who, with the help of defenseman Patrick Wey, fired a slapshot that rattled Comets’ goalie Joe Cannata’s throat guard before falling over the goal line. Walker’s first goal with Hershey was the cherry on top of an already great week for the rookie. Bears President/GM Doug Yingst announced Tuesday that the club had signed the 19-year-old Australian to an AHL contract for the 2013-2014 season.

Hershey Bears Center Matt Watkins assists Josh Brittain in scoring on September 27, 2013. (Ann Erling Gofus/The Hockey Writers)

Joining Walker on Friday night’s scorecard was Josh Brittain with an assist from Matt Watkins; a slapshot from Peter LeBlanc assisted by Chay Genoway and Stan Galiev; Genoway and LeBlanc assisting Derek Whitmore sinking’s backhand shot.

Tyler Ruesegger scored with help from forwards Brandon Segal and Ryan Stoa; and, for the sixth and final goal, Garrett Mitchell found the back of the net with a play assisted by forward Jamie Johnson and defenseman Julien Brouillette.

As fast as the Bears were knocking them in, Hershey’s goaltender David Leggio was knocking Comets shots down. Leggio was in mid-season form, stopping all 25 shots he faced in the crease. Hershey out-shot Utica with 30 shots on goals, and saw Cannata turn away 24 of them.

New Isn’t Always Better—The Newest Team in the League Faced the Oldest in Friday’s Match-up

The Utica Comets joined the AHL this summer, and faced off against the Hershey Bears on September 27, 2013. (Ann Erling Gofus/The Hockey Writers)

Friday night’s game was not only the premiere of Haviland and assistant coach Ryan Mougenel, but also the second game ever for the newly formed Utica Comets. Based in Utica, New York, the Comets are the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. Founded in 1932, the Comet franchise moved through six cities and six different names before it was announced in March 2013 that Canucks Sports & Entertainment, owners of the Vancouver Canucks, had purchased the franchise.

Vancouver ditched its previous AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, renamed the franchise and moved it to Utica, NY. It was just three month ago, on June 14th, that the Utica Comets name, affiliation, logo and jerseys—mirroring the Canucks’ blue, green and silver color scheme—were revealed. A month later, Travis Green was named head coach of the brand-spankin’ new team. The Comets are the second AHL team to call Utica home. Before them came the Utica Devils who played in the city from 1987 until 1993, and were an affiliated of the New Jersey Devils.

Friday night’s match-up leaves The Bears 1-0-0-0 in the pre-season, while Utica falls to 0-2-0-0. The Comets have already played their first pre-season game, which was a 5-2 loss Sunday night at Abbotsford. The Bears will continue their pre-season schedule today at 7:00pm when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins visit GIANT Center.

Originally posted to http://thehockeywriters.com/hershey-bears-drop-utica-6-0-pre-season-opener/ by Annie Erling Gofus

Weekly Wedding Look: Just Peachy Decor for WinifredBean.com

September 24, 2013October 21, 2013 / annerling / Leave a comment

Summer cools into crisp fall as the peaches ripen on their branches in a Georgia orchard. Channel the delicate pink hues of this sweet Southern fruit at your fall wedding. Soft pastel stationery featuring a peach tree in full bloom is the perfect way to announce your nuptials. Frame the natural beauty of an orchard with playful streamers in varying shades of pink and peach, and walk down a garland-lined aisle with a larger-than-life bouquet in a rainbow of pinks and oranges. Vases in all shapes and sizes welcome your friends and family to a peach-accented reception. Gather your guests around tables accented with wooden bowls filled to the brim with the tender fuzzy fruit. Wrap up your peachy night with a spicy cardamom-infused signature cocktail, then sweeten things up with a towering peach-frosted cake.

Originally published at http://winifredbean.com/blog/?offset=1380054673903 by Annie Erling Gofus

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