HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) — NHL free agency is underway, and the Hershey Bears are heavily affected by both the Washington Capitals’ signings and decisions to let other players walk away.

That includes two-time Calder Cup winning goalie Hunter Shepard. The Ottawa Senators signed the Minnesota native to a one-year, two-way contract.

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This means he’ll no longer don a chocolate sweater in Hershey

Shepard was a staple in the back to back Calder Cup Championships, in which he won MVP for the Bears’ 2023 victory.

Shepard had a 2.8 goals against average in 39 games with Hershey this season. He also made five appearances in Washington with a 3.94 goals against average.

As for the Bears’ option for netminder, Clay Stevenson is still under NHL contract with the Capitals for two more years, and Mitch Gibson also signed a one year deal with the Bears last week.

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