Ethen Frank Scores 27th Goal Of The Season – Most Goals By A Bears Rookie Since 1990-91 Season, As Bears Down Americans, 2-1

Photo: Lehigh Valley Phantoms

The Hershey Bears downed the Rochester Americans, 2-1 Saturday night at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. The victory improves the Bears record to 37-16-5-2 (81 points) on the season. The Bears remain one point behind the Providence Bruins for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Connor McMichael scored his 14th goal of the season early in the first period and Ethen Frank added his 27th goal of the season and second goal in as many nights. Frank now has the most goals by a Bears rookie since Craig Fisher (43) during the 1990-91  season. Frank’s goal was also the game-winner.

LINEUP

Hunter Shepard (14-6-5-1, 2.23 GAA, .912 sv%) got the start between the pipes for the Bears. Michael Houser (6-6-2-0, 3.09 GAA, .899 sv%) got the start in goal for the visiting Americans. The forward lines and defensive pairs for the Bears:

 Mike Vecchione – Mike Sgarboosa – Ethen Frank
Joe Snively – Connor McMichael – Sam Anas
Mason Morelli – Hendrix Lapierre -Garrett Pilon
Beck Malenstyn – Riley Sutter – Henrik Rybinski

Aaron Ness – Logan Day
Bobby Nardella – Dylan McIlrath
Jake Massie – Benton Maass

Scratches:  Lucas Johansen (upper body injury), Vinny Iorio (upper body injury), Henrik Borgstrom (upper body injury) and Matt Strome.

FIRST PERIOD

The Americans’ opened the scoring with a goal on the second shot of the game. Michael Mersch (14) potted the opening tally at 4:12. Mason Jobst (17) and Brett Murray (20) had the helpers.

THE CAPTAIN 🚨 pic.twitter.com/lboamZersh

— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) March 18, 2023

But the Bears quickly answered. Connor McMichael (14) collected a loose puck at center ice and and finished for the unassisted tally at 4:40.

Mc Money! Connor McMichael with his 14th of the season, ties the game, 1-1. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/5uPy9JZZ9r

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 18, 2023

And that was it for the first fame. Hershey led in shots 11-9. Rochester was 0 for 1 on the power play.

The Bears did not have a power play in the first 20 minutes. However, The Americans’ Jeremy Davies was called for high-sticking as time expired in the period, giving the Bears a two-minute power play to start the second period.

SECOND  PERIOD

The Bears took their first lead of the game on Ethen Frank’s 27th tally of the season at 3:37 of the middle frame. Mike Sgarbossa (33) and Benton Maass (1) had the assists.

Frankophiles unite! Ethen Frank with his team-leading 27th goal of the season, gives the Bears a 2-1 lead. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/poHdJxT2B4

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 19, 2023

The goal gave Frank the most goals by a Bears rookie since Craig Fisher (43) during the 1990-91 season.

Hendrix Lapierre, in his first game back after missing time with an upper body injury, took a hit into the boards. He got up and stayed in the play, but then headed to the room. He would later return to the game.

Hendrix Lapierre, in his first game back after missing time with an upper body injury, takes a hit into the boards. He got up and stayed in the play, but has since headed to the room. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/AgGBgF8RVk

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 19, 2023

The second period concluded with the Bears leading 2-1. Shots were tied 7-7. Both teams were 0 for 2 on the power play after two periods.

THIRD PERIOD

The Bears and Americans skated to a scoreless draw in the final frame.

Hershey doubled-up the Americans in shots 14-7 in the final frame.

SHAVINGS

• AHL box score
• Attendance: 10,562
• Stars of the game: 1) Ethen Frank, 2) Hunter Shepard and 3) Connor McMichael
• Frank with the most goals by a Bears rookie since Craig Fisher (43) during the 1990-91 rookie season.