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Caps extend AHL affiliate agreement with Hershey Bears

Bears Penguins

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ Taylor Chorney maneuvers through Hershey Bears defenders Saturday, March 14, 2015, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (AP Photo/The Citizens’ Voice, Andrew Krech) MANDATORY CREDIT

AP

The Washington Capitals announced that they’ve signed a one-year extension to keep the Hershey Bears as their AHL affiliate. With that, the 2015-16 season will mark the 11th straight season that the Bears have been Washington’s affiliate.

Hershey has enjoyed ample success, for the most part. Bruce Boudreau won a Calder Cup with the team back in 2005-06, and they added two more with back-to-back titles in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Much like their parent franchise, the Bears missed the playoffs in 2013-14, only to hire a new coach and fall in the second round this past season.

“We are extremely pleased to extend our affiliation with the Hershey Bears,” Capitals team president Dick Patrick said. “In our view, Hershey is a top franchise in the American Hockey League, and we look forward to our top prospects continuing to develop in a successful and winning culture in Hershey.”

The Washington Post points out that the Capitals and Bears were also affiliated with each other from 1977 to 1984, so it’s obvious that this relationship has been long-lasting (and fruitful) for both sides.