

Riley Barber smiles with the puck from his third goal after Saturday night’s win over Syracuse (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

Just as important as Hershey’s weekend back to back wins over Syracuse, and going nine straight games where the Chocolate and White have recorded at least one point or more, has been the play of Bears rookie Riley Barber. The Pittsburgh-born Barber recorded his first pro hat trick on Saturday night in the Bears 5-1 win over Syracuse.

Barber scored the final three goals, including an empty-net tally, to lead the Bears to their second straight win over the Crunch on Saturday night. “It was a great individual effort, but the big thing was to get the win,” said Barber after the game. “We’re rolling right now. We have points in nine straight and playing really good hockey.”

The hat trick was Hershey’s first regular season hat trick since Casey Wellman scored three goals in an 8-1 win over Charlotte two seasons ago.

After three great seasons in college with the Miami Redhawks, Barber has become one of the Bears top scores. The 21-year-old came through with a four point night on Saturday against Syracuse, his first since a game his sophomore season against Bemidji State University. “The last four point night I had was in college. It’s nice to be on a roll. I’m feeling confident out there.”

“I think Barber has been excellent this week,” said Bears head coach Troy Mann. “I think the kids have been excellent. The kids drive the bus. They did it a few years ago when we had success here and they are doing it now. You mix in some vets and you should have a really good team.”

Mann changed up the Bears lines Saturday night, putting two young forwards in Barber and Nathan Walker with veteran center Scott Gomez. “I didn’t feel last night and I didn’t feel all week that [Chris] Bourque, Gomez, and [Paul] Carey[‘s line] were playing well enough defensively. There were way too many holes in their game. They were giving up too many chances and getting scored on. I felt it was necessary to break them up and put one of them on each line.

“I wanted to get some speed for Gomez and I wanted to get some skill. Walker brings a lot of skill and tenacity on the forecheck. I wanted to get a shooter and I thought Barber would be a good fit. I thought all four lines were going well tonight, but Gomez’s line stood out for me as the best line.”

The Bears won’t practice again until Thursday, following the AHL All-Star break. Hershey is next in action Friday in Binghamton, then back home Saturday against Lehigh Valley and a 2 pm start on Super Bowl Sunday against Binghamton.

Photos from Barber’s goals



Barber celebates his first goal with teammates



Second goal of the night



Happy Bears fans celebrate



Chris Bourque hugs Riley after scoring his hat trick



Named first star of the night, Barber hands off his autographed stick to a young fan