90 Years of AHL History as Hershey Bears Face Springfield Thunderbirds

90 Years of AHL History as Hershey Bears Face Springfield Thunderbirds

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Bears Look to Rebound in Springfield as AHL Marks 90th Anniversary

The Hershey Bears return to the MassMutual Center this evening, facing a familiar challenge in a historic setting. Following a 4-2 loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds on Friday night, the Bears (7-5-0-0) are looking to level the score in this two-game set. The puck drops at 6:05 p.m. in what promises to be a significant evening for the American Hockey League, which officially celebrates its 90th anniversary today.

The stakes for the Bears go beyond simple standings. Friday’s defeat marked the second consecutive road loss to Springfield, dating back to April 3 of last season. Should Hershey drop tonight’s contest, they would tie a franchise-worst road winless streak against the Thunderbirds, a 0-3-0-0 stretch that stretched from January 2018 to January 2019. Despite these recent hurdles, the Bears maintain a solid historical edge, holding a 14-7-2-1 all-time record at the MassMutual Center against Springfield.

A Milestone Date for the AHL

While the teams focus on the two points available tonight, the league itself is marking a major milestone. Today, November 7, 2026, commemorates 90 years since the first games in AHL history were played. It is a fitting coincidence that the league’s two most storied franchises, Hershey and Springfield, are the ones sharing the ice. While the Bears did not officially join the AHL until the 1938-39 season, they remain the oldest continuously operating franchise in its original city, boasting a record 13 Calder Cups that set the standard for AHL excellence.

The atmosphere at MassMutual Center tonight will be unique, as all 32 teams across the league are in action to honor the anniversary. For the Bears, the focus remains on regaining the form that saw them post 10 straight periods of stout defense before the Thunderbirds broke through with three goals in a seven-minute, 30-second span during the second period of Friday’s game.

The Statistical Shift

The loss on Friday provided a rare look at a vulnerable side of the Hershey defense. Entering the game, the Bears had been nearly perfect when scoring first or holding opponents scoreless in the opening frame. Friday’s result was the first time this season that Hershey dropped a game after keeping the opposition off the board in the first period, a trend that the coaching staff will undoubtedly look to reverse.

90 Years of AHL History as Hershey Bears Face Springfield Thunderbirds

Forward Jonny Brodzinski remains a primary bright spot for the Bears’ offense. His performance last night, which included his second multi-goal game of the season, confirmed his reliability in high-pressure situations. Brodzinski has historically thrived against Springfield, tallying 26 points—12 goals and 14 assists—in 22 career games against the franchise. His ability to capitalize on scoring chances will be critical tonight, especially as the team looks to mitigate the impact of Springfield’s special teams, which proved decisive in the previous outing.

For those following the action, broadcast coverage begins at 5:35 p.m. with pre-game analysis from Zack Fisch. Fans can listen via the WFVY 100.1-FM or the Fox Sports 1460-AM stream, with additional viewing options available through AHLTV on FloHockey.

Looking Ahead to the Home Stretch

The schedule does not get easier for the Bears following tonight’s match. After the final buzzer sounds in Springfield, the club returns to the GIANT Center for a four-game homestand. This stretch will be vital for settling into a rhythm before the team heads to Charlotte to wrap up their November schedule. The contrast between tonight’s road challenge and the upcoming home stretch highlights the volatility of the AHL’s early-season grind.

Hershey Bears – History Will Be Made

History provides a sliver of optimism for the visitors. On this date in 2021, the Bears staged a dramatic comeback at home against these same Thunderbirds, trailing 3-2 before rallying for a 5-3 victory. If they can replicate that sense of urgency tonight, they may avoid the ignominy of a shared franchise-worst streak and carry momentum back to Hershey.

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