The Hershey Bears lost a meaningless game tonight to Wilkes Barre Scranton, 5-4, at Giant Center, to close out the AHL regular season. Joe Finley made his pro debut for the Bears, and this line in his performance wasn’t so meaningless:
+1 and 7 PIMs
Seven PIMs doesn’t come from three-and-a-half minor penalties.
Wilkes Barre’s Paul Bissonette got the better of Big Joe in their slow dance, I learned, but give the rookie credit for dropping the gloves in the very first period of his pro career. I think he was sending a message for next season.
6 Comments
I sure hope he keeps an edge, too bad the Bears dropped the game though.
I was at the game. Big Joe was NOT impressive. He was beaten several times and drew a hooking penalty on one occasion. He seems to skate well, but is not quick enough for even the AHL. He might pan out, but it looks like a really long shot.
Doug, how long have you been going to Bears games? Before you bash Finley… did you feel the same about Collins, Joudrey, Pinizzotto – our current Bears who at one time, met up with the team in April after College was done? I wasn’t too impressed with them in their first game in Hershey, and once they got the jiters out, I became fans. It annoys me that you feel the need to talk down on the kid after his first game in the AHL.
The game in the A is faster, the opponents are better. Give him time to adjust before you call him a long shot.
I didn’t think he was stellar by any means, but I didn’t think he was horrible and that we should all give up on him right away. He took a stand against a tough customer, had some big hits, and wasn’t out of position too often. Yeah, he got beat a few times, but if you know of any other 6 foot 7 guys that can keep the pace with guy’s like WB’s 5 foot 7 Daoust or 5 foot 11 Vitale (especially in their first pro appearance), then by all means, please let GMGM know so we can sign him right away.
Katie32 — I’ve seen 12 Bears games this year in Hershey. Big Joe just doesn’t look quick enough, though he has a smooth skating stride. He is faster than Schultz, but not as quick. His backwards skating is not even up to AHL standards. I’m just a fan and am perhaps a bit hard on him. Like I said — he’s a ‘project player’. He does have impressive size (think Schultz + 30 pounds). I am impressed with these young Hershey players as potential NHL players:
Beagle, Alzner, Osala, Perreault, Neuvirth. I think those 5 can make it. Alzner should make the roster next year. Beagle may be given a shot with roster turnover next year. The rest need more time in Hershey
Longer shots – Gordon, Lepisto, Bourque
Undecided: Kronwall
too early to tell, but he could be a factor in the Caps blue line some day
The “I don’t know what to say” players:
Sloan and Collins
We really do enjoy the Bears and Hershey is a real treat for us. The fans are friendly and it’s a class act all the way. I’m of course rooting for the Bears all the way !!!
Note: Didn’t mean to leave out Varlamov, who I think can be a true star in the crease.
I’m excited about seeing John Carlson in Hershey next year. The Caps management says Carlson is their highest rated prospect, above Varlamov and Alzner.
I don’t agree to the Schultz + 30 pounds. The fact that he and Schultz both dropped gloves for the first time in pro careers during the same week… well, that just shows they’re not meant to be compared (with Schultz having a few more games under his belt).
I’m glad you appreciate Hershey, and speak well of them. I’m a Bears Season Ticket holder and am glad to hear the positive feedback (and the support from a “big club fan”).
However, how would you feel if I told you I wasn’t impressed by Mike Green his first night dressed in the Chocolate and White? I guess what I’m saying, is that there’s an adjustment period for everyone. Give him time and reserve judgment. He may just impress you yet.
I’m also excited about Carlson, that will be an absolute treat!
Katie32 –
Okay, I agree and I’ll be more reserved about Finley. I just listened to John Walton’s “Old Barn hockey show” and Walton seemed to think Finley has potential.
Actually, we like coming to Hershey games almost as much as going to Caps games.
Hershey is loaded and we hope for a long playoff string for them. We hope to get up there for a weekend playoff game if such permits with the Caps playoff run. Time will tell !!
It takes defensive players a long time to develop. I hope Finley plays all next year in Hershey and in a year, we’ll probably know more.
You might also see another young Russian kid next year, Krugryshev (might be spelled wrong).
I’d like to see Giroux get another good shot in the NHL. Aucoin is another who might stick with the Caps next year; we have numerous UFA’s and RFA’s and could change over up to 4 players from this years squad.
Possible candidates for non-retention,trade, etc:
Kozlov, Fedorov, Morrisson, Jurcina
Probably just 1 from the above group will return to the Caps next year. The salary cap is a tough beast. Hershey’s youngsters will have a shot in the coming years, particularly if the salary cap protracts for 2010/2011.