Washington Capitals’ Prospects Make Impact With Hershey Bears

By Tori Hartman | May 5, 2015

Jakub Vrana jumps onto Liam O’Brien. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

If you don’t keep up with the Hershey Bears, I’ll give you a quick run down. The Hershey Bears made it to Round 2 of the Calder Cup Playoffs with a 10-4 win over the Worcester Sharks this past Friday (Photos). Round 2 starts on Wednesday, and the Hershey Bears will face off against the Hartford Wolf Pack, who is ironically the New York Rangers affiliate, so while the Caps are playing the Rangers, their AHL affiliates will be playing each other, as well. Pretty neat.

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The Bears finished off the best-of-five first round series against Worcester 3-1-0-0 and had a lot of contribution from the Capitals’ prospects. Here are some of the standout players:

Cameron Schilling– leads in points with the Hershey Bears with 2 goals, 3 assists and 5 points; +6 in 4 GP; averaging 1.25 points per game, 5 points is second in scoring amongst AHL d-men. I’m not the biggest Schilling fan, but he has done really well in the post season, so far. It must be something about the Worcester Sharks as he lead in goals scored against them during the regular season.
Liam O’Brien– 2-2-4 in 4 GP; averaging 1 point per game; +2; 11 SOG. Liam has definitely stepped up his game in the playoffs. I think he’s made a huge impact whether it is making a hit, getting in front of the net, or setting up a goal. All-around he is looking good.
Nate Schmidt– 1-3-4; averaging 1 point per game; 13 SOG, 4 points is fifth in scoring amongst AHL d-men. Schmidty is recalled to the Caps right now but is supposed to be back for Game 1. I think he’s looked solid and as always, brings his uplifting, outgoing personality to the team.
Casey Wellman– 3-1-4; averaging 1 point per game, +4, 15 SOG, 4th in PPGs in the AHL (2). I like Casey. He put up a fantastic regular season scoring 25 goals and racking up 54 points. Casey played 13 games with the Caps last year, didn’t have any this year, but I think he should be considered in the resigning this year.
Jakub Vrana– 1-3-4; averaging 1 point per game; +3; picked up his 1st AHL Goal; 9th in rookie scoring. If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know my opinion on him. I’m really excited about this kid. I’d like to see him in Hershey next season again, but he might have a legitimate chance of making the Caps’ opening night roster.
Chris Brown– 3 goals; 17 SOG. I thought Brown was going to be on the Caps’ roster this season, but I’m glad he played in Hershey. He’s had some magic this season with his line mates, Dustin Gazley and Kris Newbury. They have some chemistry and Brown already has 3 goals with them so far.
Connor Carrick– 1-2-3. Connor has lead some great rushes up the ice in the post season and has continued his great production on the power play. Great defensively and adding to the offense as well.
Chandler Stephenson– 2 assists; I know 2 assists doesn’t seem that fantastic, but Chandler is centering a great fourth line. Liam–Chandler–Mitchell add some spunk to the game. They provide a lot of energy and help spark the team. Not to mention, Stephenson’s abilities on the PK. He can create some nice shorthanded chances.
Pheonix Copley– 2.12 GAA; .942 SAV%; 2-1-0; 8th in GAA in the AHL; 6th in SAV% in the AHL. Pheonix put up a great two games in the absence of Philipp Grubauer. He held off the Worcester Sharks very well making 41 saves in one night. He was given the chance to close out the series, but the Sharks ended up taking Game 3. The rookie has done superb this season and surprised a lot of people, including me.

Practice for Round 2 started on Monday. It was a serious practice that started with some hard forechecking drills. Of course, practice mellowed out by the end and the prospects got to have some fun. Let’s check out what this young guns were up to.

Jakub Vrana tries getting the puck in on Pheonix Copley but is just holding it in front of his face. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Pheonix Copley sweeps a puck away as Chandler Stephenson gets up after diving to try and knock the puck in. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Jakub Vrana is trying out cellys for his teammates even though he didn’t celebrate his first AHL goal. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Here’s a little photo series for you: It starts as Liam O’Brien passes the puck to Jakub Vrana. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Jakub Vrana taps it in the goal past the great defense of a bucket. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Jakub Vrana is overcome with emotion from that goal, and he starts on his way to hug Liam O’Brien. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Jakub Vrana stops to hug Liam. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

Jakub Vrana gives Liam O’Brien a big hug. Liam looks so thrilled. Photo Credit: Tori Hartman

More Photos. The boys certainly like to have some fun. I’ll be having fun if they pull out a win on Wednesday. Go Bears!

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