The AHL Eastern Conference Finals are set to kick off on Thursday night in Hershey, PA, as the Hershey Bears take on the Cleveland Monsters in Game 1. The Hershey Bears are coming off an impressive 3-0 series sweep over the Hartford Wolf Pack, securing victory in each game by a margin of two goals or more. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Monsters also swept their series 3-0 against the Syracuse Crunch, with Jet Greaves delivering exceptional goaltending to secure close wins. Unlike the previous rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs, this series will be a best-of-seven, promising thrilling matchups and intense competition between two of the top teams in the AHL. Expect packed arenas and fierce battles as these teams vie for a spot in the Calder Cup Final.
Series Schedule:
Players to Watch (Hershey):
Hendrix Lapierre (C): 3 Goals, 5 Assists (8 Points) – 7 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Hunter Shepard (G): 6-1 Record, 1.58 GAA, 0.936 Save % – 7 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Chase Priskie (D): 1 Goal, 6 Assists (7 Points) – 6 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Players to Watch (Cleveland):
Justin Pearson (LW): 2 Goals, 4 Assists (6 Points) – 7 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Jet Greaves (G): 5-1 Record, 1.39 GAA, 0.951 Save % – 6 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Marcus Bjork (D): 1 Goal, 4 Assists (5 Points) – 5 GP (2024 Calder Cup Playoffs)
Monsters Captain is Back!
On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets reassigned Brendan Gaunce to the Cleveland Monsters after he played 24 games with the Blue Jackets during the regular season, with 2-2-4. During his time with the Monsters this season, he recorded 19-20-39 and a +7 rating in 46 games. Gaunce, an experienced player with 177 NHL appearances, is a key part of the Monsters’ lineup. His return is sure to excite all Monsters fans and will undoubtedly strengthen the team for the upcoming Eastern Conference Final!
Where to Listen
Cleveland Audio: Fox Sports 1350 The Gambler – All Bets Are On (iheart.com)
Hershey Audio: Fox Sports 1460 | iHeart
Go lake monsters.