The Hershey Bears could have a big boost to their lineup for Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals.
Third-line center Garrett Roe appears likely to return in the possible championship-clinching game — though Todd Nelson wasn’t making any ironclad guarantees. The Bears’ head coach officially declared Roe day-to-day along with defenseman Aaron Ness.
“Garrett Roe is real close,” Nelson said to FOX43’s Todd Sadowski on Saturday. “I’m not going to paint myself in a corner but I think he’ll be ready for Game 6.”
Roe has not played since getting injured during Game 1 of the series. Roe absorbed a big hit from Firebirds defenseman Ryker Evans and then Connor Carrick at the Bears bench.
Did a little digging to see where Garrett Roe might have gotten hurt at and this play that drew a power play seems to be it. Roe is hit up high by Ryker Evans then by Connor Carrick. Roe did play for a bit, last shift ended at a TV timeout shortly after. pic.twitter.com/C3HglfqZLE
— Bears Hockey Nation (@HBHNationBlog) June 16, 2024
Since being inserted into the lineup late in the Atlantic Division Semifinals, Roe has been sensational, notching 10 points (6g, 4a) in 12 games while skating with Ivan Miroshnichenko and Mike Vecchione. Roe has scored two game-winning goals during the Bears’ playoff run, including the overtime tally in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals that sent Hershey back to the finals.
Roe is currently tied with Hendrix Lapierre for third on the Bears in goals and tied for eight in points despite playing in seven fewer games.
Game 6 will be at Giant Center on Monday night. Puck drop is shortly after 7 pm.
