Bears Look to Bounce Back Against Islanders

Hershey Bears visit Bridgeport Islanders in first of two-game weekend set

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The Hershey Bears continue their 2025-26 season with a road matchup against the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday afternoon. Hershey is coming off a 5-2 loss to the Belleville Senators, while Bridgeport is looking to snap a two-game shutout skid. The Bears and Islanders will face off twice this weekend, with the second game set for Sunday at Hershey's GIANT Center.

Why it matters

This weekend's home-and-home series is an important one for both teams as they jockey for playoff position in the AHL's Eastern Conference. The Bears currently hold a six-point lead over the Islanders, making these games crucial in the standings. Hershey will look to build on its 2-0-0-0 record against Bridgeport this season and solidify its postseason chances.

The details

The Bears will lean on winger Bogdan Trineyev, who enters the game riding a four-game point streak. Trineyev is one goal away from matching his career-high of 14 goals in a season. Hershey's two healthy goaltenders, Garin Bjorklund and Mitch Gibson, have both earned wins against Bridgeport this year. The Islanders could get a boost from the potential pro debut of forward Cole Eiserman, who recently signed an amateur tryout contract after a standout college career at Boston University.

  • The Bears and Islanders will face off on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • The teams will meet again on Sunday, April 1, 2026 at Hershey's GIANT Center.

The players

Bogdan Trineyev

A Bears winger who is riding a four-game point streak and is one goal away from matching his career-high of 14 goals in a season.

Garin Bjorklund

One of Hershey's two healthy goaltenders who has earned a win against Bridgeport this season.

Mitch Gibson

The other of Hershey's two healthy goaltenders who has also earned a win against Bridgeport this season.

Cole Eiserman

A forward who recently signed an amateur tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders after a standout college career at Boston University.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This weekend's home-and-home series between the Bears and Islanders is an important one in the AHL's Eastern Conference playoff race, with Hershey looking to build on its success against Bridgeport this season and solidify its postseason positioning.