Calder Cup Countdown: The Hershey Bears Journey to Victory

Calder Cup Countdown: The Hershey Bears Journey to Victory

on today’s show the Hershey Bears are headed to The caler Cup Final you’re locked on capitals your daily podcast on the Washington Capitals part of the locked on podcast Network your team every day well hello and welcome into this edition of lockon capitals I’m so glad you decided to join me today as always this podcast is free and available on all the major platforms including the Sirius XM app and on YouTube and I want to thank you for making this your first listen each and every day my name is Dan homy I’ve covered the capitals for the last three seasons for lockdown and various other outlets before that I’m also the host of the weekly show called the capitals minute cast available wherever you find your podcasts you can find me on Twitter it’s danc caps 218 you can find the show on Twitter it’s lockon caps and the best way that you can help grow the show is to subscribe to lock on capitals on YouTube and comment anything down below ever dreamed of becoming an NHL GM and managing your hockey franchise well now you can with ultimate hockey GM it’s completely free and locked on listeners get 100% free boost to their franchise when they use the promo code a locked on NHL in the Game Store to download the game just visit hockey gm. apppp or look it up on the App Stores ultimate hockey GM start your Dynasty today so in this edition of lockon capitals we talk about your Hershey Bears as they are headed to The Calder Cup Final again let’s period for the Bears two years back to back it took overtime but they found a way to get it done we’ll talk about that a little bit later we will talk about the standout performances by Hardy homok tail and how he could potentially be due for a promotion next season and then in the last segment we will talk about pick dubet another guy another player on the Hershey Bears that I think could very well land on the opening night roster for the capitals uh I guess it just remains to be seen how this all plays out uh for the remainder of the cder cup final but just to get it going here wow uh if that game did not get you absolutely pumped up I don’t know what will I know that it took overtime but they found a way to get it done in a stunning fashion and uh when we take a look at the playoffs thus far or the end of the season there hasn’t been a lot of push back I look at the Phantoms I look at the wolf pack um towards the end of the season there in the in the playoffs there and I think to myself there wasn’t a lot of push back like they are just going to sleepwalk their way right through the CER Cup Final well it wasn’t the case as Cleveland had quite a bit of push back it was down to the wire uh it definitely could have gone in the other direction but the good guys won and they’re on to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds again uh how interesting is that but as capitals fans as Hershey Bears fans there is is a lot to be hyped about the Hershey Bears faced a grueling battle in the Eastern Conference Finals of the cder Cup playoff against the monsters after a hardfought series the Bears emerged Victorious with a thrilling overtime win in game seven this is something that you are going to talk to your kids about in years to come uh and I put it in the same category is like the Stanley Cup win if you are a true blue capitals fan if that did not get your blood pumping then I don’t know what will the game was a roller coaster of emotions with the monsters taking an early lead on a power play goal however the Bears quickly responded with a rocket of a shot from Logan day to tie the game one to one heading into the second period there was some push back there was back and forth back and forth it is the perfect game often times people say I like when the team just kind of steamrolls it they blow them out for to nothing that’s kind of a Bor Bor in game but this game had all everything that you want in a game like this push back and the ultimate goal was the overtime goal that got them the win in game seven a lot to be pumping your fists about Hershey dominated the middle frame taking the lead with a power play goal from PI dubet this is a guy playing with an injury and still finds a way to get it done put me in coach injuries aren’t stopping me says pi dubet the team’s prospects including Hunter Shepard stepped up to maintain the lead but the monsters fought back in the third period tying the game 2 to2 lots of standouts already solidifying my beliefs that if the capitals make some moves this summer to either move out Charlie lingren or Darcy keer that they have a really great option in Hunter Shepard or clay Stevenson but as the pressure mounted in overtime Hershey capitalized on a power play goal and Garrett row sealed the victory with the decisive goal Hunter Shepard’s outstanding performance including stopping 42 of 44 shots was crucial in securing the win Shep daddy doing Shep daddy stuff again a lot to be excited about and I think how it rings true with me even more this season was taking a look at the capital season and how that went in the playoffs this was a lot to be excited about players it stood out like I’ll talk about in the next segment notably Hardy Ham octel playing a significant role in shutting down Cleveland’s potent offense contributing to the Bears success with his hard-earned victory the Hershey Bears advaned to the color Cup Final for a showdown against the coelli valley Firebirds Coachella Valley Firebird so again a rematch and it’s not often that these two teams play it’s just not the way the AHL is really laid out unless it’s the playoffs uh to play on the other end of the country so um it is going to be a rematch do the Hershey Bears I was going to say the capitals do the Hershey Bears have what it takes to do it in back-to-back years against the same team the storylines are definitely intriguing the cder Cup finals will feature a rematch of last year’s championship between the Hershey Bears and the Firebirds the series will open at Giant Center on Friday June 14th and Sunday June 16th with subsequent game taking place at Coachella Val’s Arena before returning to Giant Center for games 6 and seven if necessary I think there is going to be significant push back from the Firebirds as well uh this is the final this is Winner Takes all there is a lot at stake uh the schedule includes dates times and locations for each game and tickets for the home games are already on sale via Ticket Master so scoop them up the Firebirds secured their spot in the finals by defeating the Milwaukee Admirals in the Western Conference Finals while the Bears overcame the Cleveland monsters to make a return to the cup final this matchup is particularly intriguing since AHL teams rarely play against opposing teams in opposing conferences key players including Devon Shore Have Been instrumental in the firebird success while the Bears are geared up to defend their championship title the Firebirds have a roster filled with players who have experience in both the NHL and AHL adding an extra layer of excitement to the series again this is mustc TV or on the radio side if you can’t watch it must C TV if you’re old enough that is what NBC did back in the 90s when it was like Seinfeld and friends this is mustsee hockey television you find a spot plant your butt on the couch it is going to be exciting Coachella Valley’s coaching staff led by Dan BMA uh who has been instrumental in the team’s Journey to the finals and will transition to new roles after the series as we know a promotion was in order there as well the absence of notable players such as Shane Wright adds a layer of intrigue and anticipation to the series Shane Wright uh is an interesting character likes to Grimace surprised that he wasn’t drafted when he thought he was kind of exemplifies entitled if you ask my opinion the announcement also provides historical context by detailing the number of times the Bears have competed for the CER cup in the record-breaking championship last year the significance of this rematch in the Rarity of consecutive final matchups adds depth and excitement to the upcoming Series so a lot to be excited about and it’s coming up here well tomorrow Friday depends on when you’re listening and or watching this a lot of excitement in the capitals camp and the Hershey Bears camp an excellent opportunity for these young guys to prove themsel yet again laier Mir nenko Hunter Shepard not to mention guys that might get promoted talking Ethan Frank P dubet but it’s not just them I mean I Dylan melrath I think could find a spot on the team if he has a good camp um you know it’s it’s just it’s a lot of excitement for me as a capitals fan as a Bears fan that this team is jelling and uh sky’s the limit I think for the Bears and I ultimately think they have what it takes to do it backto back let’s hope for a big win in a quick series that would be exciting all right so coming up here Straight Ahead we will talk about standal players in Hershey uh it’s a good position for the capitals to be in as they are transitioning from an older team to a younger team that they have the needed depth down in Hershey next I’ll talk about Hardy hman octel and where he fits into the capitals Master plans straight ahead hey Lockton capitals fans I want to take a moment to bring up one of our partners the mobile game ultimate hockey GM ever dreamed of becoming an NHL GM and managing your own hockey franchise I day dream about it from time to time do you ever think you could run the capitals better than current GM Brian mlen well your dream can come true and this game is most definitely for you manage every strategic aspect of the team play through the season and Lead it to the glory hire the right coaches and staff trade players or draft picks navigate through free agency and the draft all in a challenging and realistic game as a capitals fan you know there is no off season GMS are constantly making moves at every point of the year to improve their teams chances and that’s why I think you are going to love this game ultimate hockey GM is completely free and playable offline play on the go as you want and when you want by the way locked on and Network listeners get 100% free boost to their franchise when using the promo code locked on NHL in the game store so make sure to check it out to download the game just visit hockey gm. apppp or look it up on the App Store ultimate hockey GM start your Dynasty today are you watching Fox Sports or ESPN on your TV all day have to turn down the volume with all the shouting make the switch to lockon sports today a free 247 sports streaming Channel program for you every day to bring you the biggest stories without all the screaming locked on sports today brings you the can’t miss analysis opinions and news streaming 247 on YouTube or the free Amazon Fire TV channels app part of the locked on podcast Network it is your team it is every day all right welcome back into this edition of locked on capitals part of the lock on podcast Network your team every day Hardy H octel is a guy that I think very well might crack the roster for the capitals uh on the blue line there’s a lot of things to consider I know he’s not the only one up for the in the mix there there’s Vincent iorio there’s Lucas Johansson there’s Alex alexv that it’s not going to be an easy thing but we saw how Hardy stood out last training camp that I think if continues to put in the same type of work I’m saying there’s a chance that he could in fact crack the roster you know it’s going to be interesting to see how everything shakes out but it will be exciting the capitals face key decisions this offseason particularly on how to improve their offense and defensive capabilities one standout Prospect Hardy henati could play a significant role in addressing the team’s needs um on this show I unlocked on capitals I talk about what needs to get bolstered in the off season I talk about the forwards but also the Blue Line John Carlson cannot continue to play 30 minutes a night uh you take a look at Martin farari you take a look at Rasmus sandine and I’m going to put Alex alexv in that equation and it’s looking pretty good there are some question marks however if they could upgrade we see TV we see Jensen good players but could they get better players and could hard H oel fit into that equation h octel a highly regarded Europe European free agent joined the capitals last season and made a strong impression in training camp it’s a lot like Alexi protus he played so well in training camp they couldn’t send him down a couple of seasons ago although he narrowly missed securing a spot on the main roster he gained valuable experience during six games with the team his primary focus was adapting to the North American style of play while competing with the Hershey Bears in the AHL a good Proving Ground a good test uh and get acclimated on the one step down from the NHL the American Hockey League his efforts in the AHL have been remarkable as he has ascended through the ranks to become a top pairing defenseman in 55 regular season games Hond octel recorded two goals nine assists 33 penalty minutes and a plus Ming rating of plus three additionally has contributed Four Points in 11 games bolstering Hershey’s Journey To The Calder Cup Final a lot to like about his game if it can continue if he can get that same success on the capitals that’s putting him in a position to succeed Beyond his statistics though H octel has demonstrated significant progress in his overall game the 25-year-old defenseman possesses smooth skating abilities solid Puck control and a willingness to engage in phys play I like that aspect despite how we hear that that wants to be you know removed from the game I think that a physical play still has a spot in hockey in the National Hockey League his well-rounded skill set allows him to contribute offensively and effectively carry the puckup ice making him a valuable asset to the organization standing 6’3 and weighing 198 lbs this is a huge dude h octel fulfills the need for size on the defensive end an attribute highlighted by head coach Spencer carbury with his strong performance it’s likely that the team will extend his contract as he is a restricted free agent uh 6 foot three that is rather tall I am 6’5 and uh we a touch over 198 we don’t need to get into that but he is a huge dude and I think that uh you know you put him on the blue line uh and the stats speak for for themsel the back of his AHL hockey card speaks for itself if there is an opening if he can impress in Camp there will be a spot for Hardy hman octel on the big team a lot is in flux and you know in July July 1 uh during free agency what players come what players go and taking a look at what options you have down in Hershey before you mortgage the farm before you get rid of lot of young Talent why not take a look at what you have down in hershe you just might find that you have maybe even a better option however competition for spots on the team remains intense Alex alexv has showcased his Readiness for a full-time role while Vincent iari on Lucas Johansson are also emerging talents vying for a place in the lineup I was most impressed with Alex alexv he was a guy that was supposed to have a spot on the team right out of the gate but then something happened and the capital signed Joel Edmonson and he got bumped down a notch but he got Joel Edmonson got traded out and it was a good opportunity for uh Alex alexv to slide in and I think he did a really good job Vincent iorio another guy uh I think that has a good trajectory Lucas Johansson I’m a little on the fence about him I’ve heard for years upon years that it’s going to be his year that he is this great blue liner he’s had multiple cups of coffee on the big team so much that he must have the Jitters at this point but he has not made good on all of his opportunities you take a look at Lucas Johansson here briefly he has a history of injury and those kind of things so definitely not all things he can control but Hardy H and octel definitely stands to be one of the Front Runners to find a spot on the team along with Alex alexv and Vincent aario a good position for the capitals to be despite the strong competition homo’s remarkable growth and skill set could secure him a prominent role in the upcoming season uh exciting times for the as a capitals fan as someone that does a podcast on it because uh it is something that I’ve spoke of for quite some time that this team is getting older and there was the reluctance for a long period of time that finally kind of based on necessity this team is trending in a younger Direction capitals fans a lot to be excited about I think the future is bright on this team and it’s going to be interesting to see who you know who ultimately cracks the opening night roster uh it is definitely fun times for the capitals all right so coming up here Straight Ahead we will talk about Pi dubet another player that had his opportunity on the big team a short sample size this last season but has killed it for Hershey another player that I think is definitely a front runner to crack the opening night Rost for the capitals let’s talk about Pi dubet Straight Ahead passion drive and patience the formula for winning championships is also what keeps your ride or die alive eBay Motors has everything you need to maintain your vehicle and level it up to Peak Performance superchargers roof racks exhaust kits LED headlights and more whether you’re into speed power or dial eBay Motors has got you covered with over 122 million parts for your number one ride or die you’ll always find exactly what you’re looking for and with eBay guaranteed fit your part is guaranteed to fit your ride every time or your money back because with eBay Motors you’re burning rubber not cash with all the parts you want at the prices you want it’s easy to make your car the MVP and bring home huge wins so keep your ride or die alive at ebaymotors.com eligible items only exclusions apply eBay guaranteed fit only available to us as customers all right welcome back into this edition of locked on capitals part of the locked on podcast Network it is your team everyday in this next segment here we are going to talk about pick dubet a dynamic goal scorer a guy that scored a goal in game seven despite the fact he was injured that goes a long way with me uh you know just not having injury set you back having uh some push back that is what I like his tenacity his fortitude that goes a long ways with me as I spoke about towards the end of the second segment pick dubet did have his cup of coffee with the capitals last season I wish it was a longer sample size but uh I think that he’s positioning himself to be in a really good spot to hit the ground running in the fall let’s take a look at his stats before I get going here he was number two on the team in goals pier dubet in 66 games played 28 goals uh 20 assists for 48 points the only other player another player that deserves an opportunity Ethan Frank 64 games played 29 goals 18 assists good for 47 points there’s a lot to like about this I am really excited already about next season and as capitals fans you should be excited as well to Bas TR triumphant return to the Hershey Bears lineup after a devastating injury exemplifies the True Grit and resilience of hockey players in fact of the adversity the Washington Capitals Prospect showcased unwavering determination and commitment to his team very endearing I think as a guy that goes a long ways just like you’re injured you get up and you walk that off he did that after sustaining a serious injury in game three of the Eastern Conference Final the 23-year-old forward under went facial surgery and endured significant dental work despite the immense pain in physical toll du refused to be sign lied demonstrating an unparalleled level of dedication that is a guy to look up forward to ahlers look up to him some nhlers look up to him that is the kind of player you should be in a remarkable display of Courage dub returned to the ice wearing a full face shield to protect his injured mouth his tenacity was on full display as he notched a crucial power play goal in a pivotal game seven propelling the Bears to a thrilling 3-2 overtime Victory and securing their spot in the cuer Cup Final his performance not only inspired his teammates but also captured the hearts of fans as the Bears gear up for a rematch in the championship Showdown shootout it’s going to be a lot of fun dubay’s resilience and unwavering Spirit serve as a testament to his character and determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport with an immense track record and in both regular season and playoffs the Quebec native continues to make significant strides in his promising career his remarkable comeback stands as a shining example of the indomitable spirits that defies hockey players as true warriors on the ice and true that that is so true that uh so many times I’ve seen players Tom Wilson comes to mind various other players where there’s blood gushing from their face uh they walk it off and they’re back out on the ice and not to speak disparagingly of NBA players but sometimes I had to leave the game because I had a cal strain uh that definitely uh NHL players are a different breed a tougher breed some would say tougher than NL players so uh good on pick dubet I think endearing himself to the capitals brass uh also with the Hershey Bears that he is a guy that’s not going to let an injury stand in his way and I’m not trying to say that he should play because he’s injured but he felt up to it and he did it uh and that is a true measurement of a great player but also a true measurement of a great man listen I want to thank you for joining me on this edition of lockon capitals your only daily year on podcast covering the Washington Capitals and I want to thank all of you that listen on the audio and watch this on YouTube you are ultimately what makes this show successful when you’re done here head on over to locked On’s 247 streaming channel available on the free Amazon Fire TV channels app and on YouTube all right once again I want to thank you for joining me on this edition of locked on capitals part of the locked on podcast Network your team every day my name is Dan homy and I’ll talk to you again next time

The Hershey Bears had a tough series against the Cleveland Monsters in the Calder Cup Playoffs, winning in a thrilling overtime victory. They are now advancing to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the finals. Hardy Häman Aktell, a standout prospect for the Washington Capitals, has shown remarkable talent in the AHL and could potentially address the team’s needs in the upcoming season. Additionally, Pierrick Dubé made a triumphant return to the Hershey Bears’ lineup after a serious injury, demonstrating true grit and resilience.

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