Get ready for a thrilling showdown on the ice as the Hershey Bears face off against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a game that could redefine the season for both teams. But here's where it gets controversial: Can the Bears, with their powerhouse road performance, upset the division-leading Penguins on their home turf? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Game Preview: Hershey Bears at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Date & Time: December 21, 2025 | 3:05 p.m.
Venue: Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza
Officials: Referees Ben Betker (42) and Koletrane Wilson (18), Linespersons Dylan Blujus (57) and J.P. Waleski (14)
Broadcast Details:
- Radio: Tune in to WFVY-100.1-FM or Fox Sports 1460-AM with Zack Fisch, the Voice of the Bears, on the call. Pre-game coverage starts at 2:35 p.m.
- Live Stream: Catch the action on AHLTV via FloHockey (https://flosports.link/3ADUD4I) or listen live on Froggy Valley 100.1-FM (https://play.radionovo.com/livestreams/54627) and Fox Sports 1460-AM (https://www.iheart.com/live/fox-sports-1460-5161/?autoplay=true&pname=15400&campid=header&cid=index.html).
Last Time Out:
The Hershey Bears capped off a historic nine-game homestand with a 4-1 victory over the Bridgeport Islanders. Grant Cruikshank, Graeme Clarke, Andrew Cristall, and Ilya Protas lit the lamp, while goaltender Mitch Gibson stood tall with 22 saves. Despite a 4-5-0-0 record during the homestand, the Bears ended on a high note with two consecutive wins. Meanwhile, the Penguins suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to the Utica Comets at home, with Joona Koppanen and Avery Hayes scoring. The Penguins currently lead the Atlantic Division with 42 points.
Hitting the Road:
For the first time since November 22, the Bears embark on a road trip, traveling up I-81 to face the Penguins. This season, Hershey has struggled at home against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with a 1-2-0-0 record but boasts a strong 3-1-1-1 road record against them from the previous season. With a 6-2-0-0 road record this season, the Bears have the fewest road games in the AHL, yet their power play unit is converting at an impressive 34.8%, leading the league. And this is the part most people miss: Can their road prowess translate into a win against the division leaders?
Gibby Makes History:
Mitch Gibson etched his name into Hershey Bears history with a 6-0-0 start to his tenure, becoming the first goaltender in franchise history to achieve this feat. His perfect 3-0-0 record this season, combined with previous victories, showcases his dominance. The Pennsylvania native boasts a 1.00 goals-against average and a .965 save percentage, making him a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Keep Counting for Cristall:
Andrew Cristall extended his point streak to eight games with his fourth goal of the season, tallying 10 points (1g, 9a) during this stretch. His 21 points (4g, 17a) tie him for seventh among AHL rookies, while Ilya Protas ranks fourth with 23 points (12g, 11a). The Bears and San Jose Barracuda are the only AHL teams with two rookies in the top-10 in scoring. Cristall’s 17 assists also tie him for the most among rookies this season. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Cristall and Protas continue their momentum and lead the Bears to a playoff push?
Heading into the Holidays:
For the second consecutive year, the Bears will sandwich their holiday break with games against the Penguins. After today’s matchup, Hershey returns to Mohegan Arena on December 27. Last season, the Bears suffered a 1-0 loss to the Penguins before the break but avenged it with a 3-2 overtime win on December 28. The teams won’t meet again until February 4, making these games crucial for momentum.
Bears Bites:
- Spencer Smallman returned to the lineup after an eight-game absence due to an upper-body injury.
- Zac Funk made his season debut, playing his first AHL game since January 25, 2025, after recovering from a lower-body injury.
- The Bears have won at least three road games against the Penguins in each of the past six seasons.
- Clay Stevenson went 3-1-1 last season against the Penguins.
- Graeme Clarke scored his first game-winning goal as a Bear.
- Ilya Protas leads the team with eight multi-point games.
On This Date in Bears History:
On December 21, 2018, Riley Barber scored the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over the Penguins at GIANT Center. Barber’s three-point night (1g, 2a) and Aaron Ness’s two assists, along with Vitek Vanecek’s 26-save performance, sealed the win. The Bears went 3-for-6 on the power play in front of a sold-out crowd.
Controversial Interpretation: While the Penguins lead the division, the Bears’ road power play and Gibson’s historic start could tip the scales in their favor. Do you think the Bears can pull off the upset, or will the Penguins maintain their dominance? Let us know in the comments!
