COMETS DROP 3-1 CONTEST TO BEARS IN SEASON OPENER
Utica, NY – The first game of the Utica Comets 2022-23 campaign took place in Hershey on Saturday night against the Bears. A newly configured Comets lineup stood against the top affiliate of the Washington Capitals and despite getting a goal from the former Hershey Bear, Brian Pinho, the Comets were defeated by a 3-1 score.
In the first period of the year, the Bears struck first, and they did so on the power-play when Henrik Borgstrom swatted in a loose puck in the crease after a save by Comets goalie Akira Schmid. The goal at 8:42 gave Hershey a 1-0 advantage. The Bears added to that lead and it was Mike Vecchione who once again was able to pounce on a puck in the Comets’ crease. Garret Pilon’s shot was originally stopped by the rebound deposted in at 17:42 for a 2-0 Hershey lead.
The Comets entered the next period on the man-advantage, and they capitalized after Brian Pinho, the former Hershey forward struck twenty-four seconds into the period. The goal, assisted by Nolan Stevens and Reilly Walsh, sliced the deficit in half and gave the Comets life as they were down 2-1. That would remain the score at the conclusion of 40 minutes of play.
With a one-goal gap entering the third period, the Comets had an early power-play but couldn’t score the tying mark. The period continue