The Hershey Bears became the first team out of the Atlantic Division to clinch a berth in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, earning a postseason trip by earning a point in a 2-1 overtime loss at Providence on Sunday afternoon.
The Bears (39-19-5-7, 90 points) have qualified for the playoffs for the 66th time in the franchise’s 78-year history.
Hershey is now eyeing its fifth division title in 11 seasons since becoming the top affiliate of the Washington Capitals in 2005. Over that span, the Bears have also made four trips to the Calder Cup Finals and won three championships (2006, 2009, 2010).
Six of the 16 playoff spots in the American Hockey League postseason have now been claimed. For more information and daily updates on the playoff races, check out the official AHL Playoff Primer.
