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Hershey Bears Advance to the Calder Cup Finals

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Photo: Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears just disposed of the Toronto Marlies in five games, earning their first trip to the Calder Cup Finals since 2010. The chocolate and white will play the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters (who has hockey’s hottest new tradition) in the championship series beginning Wednesday.

The Bears jumped out to a 3-0 lead, scoring two goals in the first 2:13 of the second period. The Marlies chipped away and made it close, scoring once in the second period and then a second time midway through the third period. But the Bears would hold on, with NHL veteran Justin Peters making 21 saves.

Liam O’Brien started the scoring for the Bears after taking a fantastic pass from Dustin Gazley and driving hard to the net. It was O’Brien’s third goal of the playoffs.

Swedish defense prospect Christian Djoos made it 2-0 after taking a fantastic back pass from Jakub Vrana. Djoos patiently cut to the center of the ice and ripped a shot past goaltender Antoine Bibbeau.

Nathan Walker would score 1:04 later on a one-timer. It would stand up as the game-winning, series-clinching goal.

William Nylander and Nikita Soshnikov would score for the Marlies.

Hershey will now head to Calder Cup final for fifth time in 11 seasons as the Caps affiliate. Congratulations, boys.

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