GAME PREVIEW: ROCHESTER BEGINS FOUR-GAME HOMESTAND VERSUS HERSHEY
Wednesday marks the 70th-year anniversary of the inaugural meeting between AHL’s two oldest teams
Oct 28, 2026By Griffin Della Penna | @GriffinDP_
The two oldest teams in the American Hockey League square off for the 473rd all-time meeting at the same venue they played in for the first time exactly 70 years to the day prior.
| GAME NOTES | ROSTER SHEET | MEDIA KIT | LINE CHART | WATCH ON FLO HOCKEY! |
For another installment of the oldest all-time series in league history, the Hershey Bears (5-2) travel to the Flower City to take on the Rochester Americans (4-3-0-1). Hershey enters the week following a 5-2 victory over Belleville where the Bears netted a league-best four goals in the final period while the Amerks won their first overtime game of the season by way of a 3-2 decision in Syracuse while staving off a late-game comeback against the Crunch.
Puck drop for the first of four games between the two clubs this season is slated for 7:05 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning on WGR Rochester and AHLTV on FloHockey at 7:00 p.m.
Here are some of the things to look out for before tonight’s midweek matchup:
LEAVING CHOCOLATE TOWN
While its certainly sweet being in Hershey, the Bears will finally play a game on the road after seven consecutive games inside the Giant Center. In the organization’s 94 years of existence, that’s the longest homestand to begin a season ever. To make things even more unique, Hershey’s games have mirrored a college schedule with weekend sets on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
This cyclical nature of the Bear’s routine had to be convenient, but it’s probably better to break that now. A “traditional” AHL schedule doesn’t incorporate the comfortability of feeding off a home sold out crowd like this recent stretch for Hershey. This team has proved to be a force at the Giant Center (as they routinely are), taking advantage of the passionate fanbase when firing on all cylinders or when they need a boost. Last time out versus Belleville, the Bears were down 2-0 but were able to shift momentum back on their side and rattle off five straight to secure the victory.
Due to the change in scenery, it wouldn’t be that shocking if Hershey took some time to get accustomed to playing on the road. Rochester has been able to take advantage in the first period, outscoring opponents 9-2 in the early going this year. If the Bears come out a little flat, you must make it count.
DUNNE RETURNS TO ROC
Even though he played just 70 regular-season games in the red, white, and blue, Josh Dunne quickly became a fan favorite during his two seasons with the organization.
The O’Fallon, Missouri, product makes his return to Rochester for the first time after signing with the Washington Capitals this past offseason. Dunne recorded 29 points (10+19) in 68 games during the 2024-25 season as an alternate captain, having even a deeper impact in the postseason with seven points (3+4) in eight games.
After skating in just two games with the Sabres during his first year with the organization, Dunne appeared in 34 games in Buffalo last season compared to just two in Rochester. It didn’t take long for Dunne to adjust in Hershey, already posting four points (3+1) with two game-winning goals in his first seven games with the team. He currently sits just one point away from 100 in his AHL career.
*Bonus revenge game for your viewing pleasure*
Amerks forward Zac Funk will also play his first game against his former team. Following 25 games with the Bears from 2024-26, Funk was traded back in July for Tyler Kopff. The Coldstream, British Columbia, native already has more points (1+3) through five games than he did in 10 games with Hershey (0+2) a season ago.
HOLDING ON IN THE THIRD
Unlike the Sabres who earned their first advantage through 40 minutes of a game this season last night in San Jose, Rochester has routinely had a lead after two periods with an unblemished 4-0-0-0 record. It hasn’t been flawless to get to that point, but the Amerks have showcased defensive prowess to remain in front throughout the final 20. Whether it was having to face 19 shots on goal in the third on opening night against Toronto or for the Crunch to tie the game in the final 90 second to force overtime last time out, it’s very promising for head coach Michael Leone to win in multiple ways after being tested.
However, when trailing entering the third period, the Amerks are 0-1-0-1 due to last Wednesday’s 5-3 defeat to Utica where they trailed 4-1 and a shootout loss in Belleville during opening weekend. Rochester was all square at two in their first trip to Syracuse this month heading into the final 20 but lost that game as well, allowing four consecutive goals to the Crunch.
Moral of the story: if you have a lead entering the final frame, good things should happen.