After the historical run, the bear holds his head high. theahl.com

Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer

There was no lifting the Calder Cup, no celebration until late at night, no parade trophy.

This is significantly different from this season compared to the Hershey Bears in 2025.

Bears gathered at the Giant Center for Breakup Day Thursday morning. Exit the meeting, pack the package, wrap the loose end, say goodbye.

By 1:30 p.m., the corridor outside the Bears locker room was mostly quiet. Players have begun to spread out over the world to offseasons.

Wednesday night’s elimination did not simply reduce the chunky three-game bid. It may also end one of the most important runs in league history. Every summer, the AHL roster makes the Bears turnovers more than usual. Washington’s parents’ capitals have several upcoming draft picks and signings that need to grow in Hershey, with most of the existing cast – including several players on the 2023 and 2024 champions qualifying to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

Opportunities missed this spring and uncertainty about Wednesday’s restless night. Hendrix Lapierre Said he then replayed the loss while trying to fall asleep. Head coach Todd Nelson Spend Thursday morning trying to manage the loss and finally settled in the 1987 movie Summer School Get rid of the results.

“To be honest, it still didn’t really sink in,” Nelson said. “It’s a good game. Winning a championship is tough. Winning back-to-back titles is incredible. After three points, it’s amazing, but it doesn’t work.”

Hershey won a league record in nine consecutive playoff games. The first eight records were retained by the Bears’ back-to-back Cup teams in 2009 and 2010. It happened that Charlotte’s checkers ended the two straight wins.

“We have a special group,” said Lapierre, MVP of the 2024 playoffs. “We really think we can win everything.”

Still, the Bears can spend a lot over the past three seasons. Both champions have historic, dramatic moments. A stunning comeback against Coachella Valley in 2023, winning three home games for the first time after being eliminated in matches 1 and 2 before falling from 2-0 to win seven games in overtime. Losing the 3-0 series in last year’s final before winning seven more games, beating the stubborn Cleveland Monster. Matt StromThe Cup champion scored an overtime goal and defeated the Firebirds again in June last year. The Bears won 172 regular season and playoffs in three years under Nelson.

The Hershey Pipeline continues to benefit Washington. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael A breakthrough was made in the Capitals. Dylan McIlrath After captaining the two Bears’ championship teams, they spent the entire season with the hats. Essen Frank His first taste of the NHL sparkled after Hershey’s three consecutive goals seasons.

“I’m very proud of what we did last year,” the defenseman said Chase Priskieis a member of the 2024 Calder Cup team. “(and) are very proud of the work we have done this year. We have spent the year. I think a lot of people have taken a big step forward. They should be proud of it.”

But when they encounter checkers, all of this work obviously causes huge losses. Physical and mental fatigue becomes more pronounced. Forty-eight games represent two-thirds of the entire 72 seasons in the last three springs. They went through the phase-out-survived during their reign. They were behind in four of the nine series they won. They overcome their opponents and do their best every night. Spencer SmallmanSigned with Washington last July, he said he noticed earlier this season that opponents were filled with extra emotion in the celebrations he won with Hershey.

“It was a tough year,” Nelson explained. “Every game we played this year, we knew it would be a tough game. It doesn’t matter. Who do you play. When the team comes in, they skate on the ice to no avail, and suddenly, they say, ‘Welcome back to back Calder Cup champions.’ Plus, we have a logo in the middle of the ice, “Back to back” staring at you.

Nelson often uses the term “family” to explain what he wants to instill into his team. He is harsh but sociable, and he tours in the Hershey locker room, chats with players and keeps up. He won’t panic. His players also embraced this personality. Expectations are clearly outlined. Communication is very frequent. Everything the bear does has a purpose. This is a direct, straightforward approach. Not only one hope The idea of ​​winning, if everything goes well, then maybe, maybe they might win. them Expected Development, win. They spoke out two goals. The Bears never shy away from discussing their pursuit of a third-game winning streak in the Calder Cup.

Nelson said: “Our coaching philosophy as a group is a person, to make the guys who want to come to the rink every day, be part of the family atmosphere, come here to work hard and make yourself better, make yourself better. But you have to do that in a fun environment. I want them to jump out of bed and say they want to practice and practice, meet the boys, make me better, make myself better.

Having a strong team dynamic helps to be a champion of the Bears. It also helps them solve the pressures of increasing success. This pressure occurs both outside and inside.

“It’s a lot of pressure, but I love it,” Nelson said. “I think everyone who comes to Hershey knows it all. That’s what makes this place so special. It’s hard for our guys, so I’m proud of how they handle it.”

“We are all proud to work for Hershey Bears and the Washington Capitals. We are proud of their expectations. This means you are the champion and you are the champion for life.”

During the fifty years in the American Hockey League, Theahl.com writer Patrick Williams currently covers NHL.com and Flosports leagues and is a regular contributor to Siriusxm NHL New Network Radio. He won the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for his outstanding league coverage in 2016.