Washington Capitals News: Chris Bourque Returns

Chris Bourque was a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack last season, but he will be slipping his Hershey Bears’ sweater back on this season! Photo Credit:Tori Hartman

Welcome back, Chris Bourque! Chris Bourque may not be a household name for Washington Capitals’ fans, but I’m sure that Hershey Bears’ fans can remember exactly who this guy is. Chris Bourque has spent parts of six season with the Hershey Bears racking up 131 goals, 262 assists, and 393 points. Oh, and I almost forgot winning three Calder Cups (2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10). He has gone 1-3-4 in 13 games with the Caps with his last appearance in a lone game back in 2009-10. Chris Bourque’s two -year, two-way deal will leave him open as an option for the Caps, but I see him spending most of his time in Chocolatetown.

Here’s more from the Hershey Bears’ press release:

"The Hershey Bears announced today that the organization has signed forward Chris Bourque to a two-year, two-way NHL contract beginning with the 2015-16 season. The announcement was made by Bears president/general manager Doug Yingst.“We are thrilled for our fans and our franchise to have Chris Bourque return to the Bears,” Yingst said. “We cannot wait to see him back in Chocolate and White again.”Bourque has played 392 of his 510 career regular-season games with the Bears, which ranks 25th in all-time Hershey history. An incredible point-per-game average during his tenure places Bourque in a tie for 14th in all-time Bears scoring with 393 points (131 goals, 262 assists). He raised the Calder Cup three times in his career, all with the Bears, in 2006, 2009 and in 2010 – earning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010.“That is where I spent a majority of my career, and obviously I feel very comfortable playing there, Bourque said. “With the coaching staff, management and everybody there, it’s family to me by this point. It’s a big thrill for me and my family because it is such a great town, and with the fans, there is not a better place to play in the American League.”While playing with the Bears, the 5-8, 170-pound winger led the AHL in assists (66) in the 2011-12 season, and tacked on 27 goals to earn the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as the league’s leading point producer (93). He was named to the AHL’s First All-Star Team in 2011-12 and, most recently, last season. Bourque is also a three-time AHL All-Star (2009, 2012, 2015).The 29-year-old native of Boston, Massachusetts comes back to Hershey after spending the 2014-15 season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. He led the Pack in all statistics with 29 goals, 37 assists and 66 points, and also led the team in power play goals (11), assists (15) and points (26). Bourque’s 26 power-play points ranked tied for second in the AHL, while his 66 overall points ranked fifth.In his AHL career, Bourque’s next point will be his milestone 500th. He currently has 171 goals and 328 assists over nine seasons spent with Portland, Hershey, Providence and Hartford. After leading the Wolf Pack in playoff scoring last season with 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) through 15 games, Bourque has dressed in 100 career Calder Cup postseason contests and totals 95 points (25 goals, 70 assists). His 95 points rank seventh all-time and his 70 assists rank seventh.Bourque made overseas stops with the KHL’s Mystishchi Atlant (2010-11), Swiss-A Lugano (2010-11), the KHL’s Kazan Ak-Bars (2013-14) and Swiss-A Biel (2013-14), notching 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists). He has also recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) in 51 NHL games played with the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins.He was originally selected by Washington in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft."

Some fans may be a little weary on having him back. It’s not due to his lack of scoring ability or talent, but because of his personality. Chris Bourque was traded to the Bruins because he would hit free agency, and he didn’t think the Capitals were giving him a chance, so Hershey knew he would sign somewhere else and they’d get nothing in return. Bears’ General Manager Doug Yingst commented on it in a article back in 2012:

More from Capitals News

"“Chris left us know that he wanted to play in the National Hockey League. He wasn’t interested in coming back to the organization. He wants one more shot at the NHL. We wish him the best of luck. If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure we’ll try to negotiate in the future.” (via PennLive)"

I guess the future is here, isn’t it? I can vaguely remember him being a little irritated about not getting an opportunity in the NHL. Chris Bourque has always had nice things to say about the organization and a new management might offer new opportunities. However, I think that Chris Bourque tried making it to the NHL with two other organizations and now realizes that he most likely won’t make it there. I can’t blame him for trying to chase his dreams. I think he always had a soft spot for Hershey and will be glad to return to Giant Center in a Bears’ sweater.

Fans may also remember Chris Bourque helping to push the Hershey Bears out of the playoffs in 2012-13 when he was with the Providence Bruins and just last season when he was with the Hartford Wolf Pack. There is no doubt this guy loves to be in the playoffs and really steps up his game. Who can argue with that? Should Hershey tie up the second seed in the playoffs this upcoming season, Bourque will undoubtedly make a difference.

My opinion: I’m glad to have him back. Bourque is a top-of-the-line AHLer, and I don’t see how him being back in Hershey could hurt. Plus, it will be nice to not have to sit angrily in the crowd and reminisce as he continually scores on the Bears during the playoffs. I also think his veteran presence could really help some of the young Caps’ prospects. Jakub Vrana, anyone? Those two together could be a nice combination.

Who’s ready for hockey season?!?!? #IsItOctoberYet

Go Bears!!!

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