Hershey Makes History - Wins Yet Another Calder Cup

A huge round of applause for the history-making Hershey Bears for clinching their second consecutive Calder Cup as the 2010 AHL Champions. Though they could be more aptly named the "grizzly bears" for those most magnificent playoff bears, the boys won the hardware in front of their home crowd for the first time in 30 years. In a splendid shut out performance, goaltender Michal Neuvirth stopped 22 shots en route to the huge 4-0 victory against the Texas Stars. Several other players we'd love to see permanently in Capitals red, white and blue also made notable contributions, including defensemen Karl Alzner (whose outstanding playoff beard makes him look remarkably like the claymation Kris Kringle in the old Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) and Captain America (AKA John Carlson). Chris Bourque, who spent some time on the dark side in Pittsburgh, earned the title of Most Valuable Player during the series which saw the Bears rebound from losing the first two contests at home. To join Hockey Mom in celebrating this fine occasion, please join me in devouring a Hershey's Kiss (or a bag of them - your choice) to commemorate another sweet season and championship for this terrific young hockey team!

In other happenings around the rinks:

• Caps' fans will get their first glimpse of the team's 2011 Bridegstone Winter Classic uniforms along with other WC merchandise at the Caps Convention on October 2. Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow.
• Looks like forward Brendan Morrison will be shopping for a new team. Word has it that he will not be resigned by the Washington Capitals for next season. Good luck B'Mo!
• The Toronto Maple Leafs have named their first team captain since the departure of Mats Sundin. Surly defenseman Dion Phanuef (who ranked 70th in the league in PIMs last season) will don the 'C' for one of Canada's oldest and most beloved hockey clubs next season.