The Syracuse Crunch traveled to Hershey, Pa to take on the Hershey Bears during the annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Dec 4.
Bears forward Garrett Mitchell opened scoring 15:02 into the first period. The Captain’s goal launched 20,622 bears, a new organization record, from the 9,042 fans in attendance. Bears goaltender Joe Cannata continued his perfect performance during the second period when both teams were unable to score.
23 seconds into the third period, forward Zach Sanford scored his first professional goal, giving the Bears a 2-0 lead. However, the Crunch were able to tie the game with two power play goals from forwards Cory Conacher and Yanni Gourde. But, with 1:29 left in the game, defenseman Aaron Ness restored the Bears’ lead. Ness’ goal would prove to be the game winner earning him second star honors. Bears forward Zach Sill sealed the win after scoring an empty net goal.
Bears goaltender Joe Cannata stopped 35 of 37 Crunch shots on goal. His performance backstopped the Bears 4-2 win and earned him first star honors. Crunch goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis stopped 9 of the Bears 12 shots on goal.
Next, the Hershey Bears will face the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in back-to-back games Dec 9, and Dec 10. While the Syracuse Crunch return home to face the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Dec 7, the Albany Devils Dec 9, and the Utica Comets Dec 10.
Pucks & Recreation photographer Amanda Statland was on hand to capture the action at the record setting Teddy Bear Toss game.
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