The Marlies‘ quest for their first ever championship will need to go through one of the most storied franchises in American Hockey League history in the Bears, who have won eleven titles since joining the league in 1938.
Better Know Your Enemy: The Hershey Bears
Washington’s affiliate has not tasted much playoff success in recent seasons, with this being the first occasion they’ve reached the Conference Final in six years. The two seasons before the lull saw Hershey win back-to-back championships, defeating Manitoba and Texas in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
The Bears are coached by Troy Mann, who spent five seasons as an assistant coach before leaving to take the top job with the Bakersfield Condors.