Get Ready for Battle in the South: The Bears Come Roaring Into Charlotte!
The intensity of playoff hockey hits a fever pitch tonight as the Hershey Bears storm into Bojangles’ Coliseum for a pivotal AHL playoff showdown against the Charlotte Checkers. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET, and if you’re a fan of fast-paced, high-stakes action, this is the matchup you’ve been waiting for.
These two powerhouses are no strangers to playoff tension. Hershey, the defending Calder Cup champions, bring a battle-tested lineup and unmatched postseason pedigree. But don’t sleep on Charlotte — the Checkers are hungry, dangerous, and thriving on home ice.
Series at a Glance:
Matchup: Hershey Bears @ Charlotte Checkers
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Location: Bojangles’ Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
Series: Eastern Conference Semifinals (Game 3, series tied 1-1)
Projected Line Combinations
Hershey Bears:
Top Line: Ethen Frank – Hendrix Lapierre – Mike Sgarbossa
Second Line: Joe Snively – Garrett Roe – Pierrick Dubé
Third Line: Riley Sutter – Ivan Miroshnichenko – Beck Malenstyn
Fourth Line: Henrik Rybinski – Bogdan Trineyev – Julian Napravnik
Defense Pairings:
Lucas Johansen – Vincent Iorio
Dylan McIlrath – Aaron Ness
Hardy Häman Aktell – Chase Priskie
Starting Goalie: Hunter Shepard (expecting a bounce-back performance after a tough Game 2)
Charlotte Checkers:
Top Line: Mackie Samoskevich – Justin Sourdif – Riley Nash
Second Line: Rasmus Asplund – Zac Dalpe – Wilmer Skoog
Third Line: Cam Morrison – Ryan McAllister – Gerry Mayhew
Fourth Line: Santtu Kinnunen – Kai Schwindt – Johnny Ludvig
Defense Pairings:
Lucas Carlsson – Dennis Cesana
Calle Själin – Evan Nause
Will Reilly – Griffin Mendel
Starting Goalie: Ludovic Waeber (red-hot with a .928 save percentage in the postseason)
3 Key Storylines to Watch:
1. Can Hunter Shepard Regain His Dominance?
After getting shelled in Game 2, all eyes are on the Bears’ netminder. Shepard has been Hershey’s rock — and they’ll need him to bounce back in hostile territory.
2. Charlotte’s Depth Scoring Heating Up
The Checkers aren’t just relying on Samoskevich and Sourdif. The fourth line has chipped in with timely goals, and their forecheck has been relentless. Can Hershey’s bottom-six match the energy?
3. Lapierre vs. Sourdif – Young Stars Duel
Watch for this thrilling head-to-head battle. Lapierre is Hershey’s motor offensively, while Sourdif has been a two-way force for the Checkers. Whoever wins this matchup may tip the balance of the series.
Prediction:
This one has OT thriller written all over it. Both teams are loaded with speed, grit, and scoring talent. But if Hershey’s veterans like Sgarbossa and Ness can settle things down, the Bears might just steal one on the road.
Final Score Prediction: Hershey 4, Charlotte 3 (OT)
Don’t Miss It. Don’t Blink. This Is AHL Playoff Hockey at Its Best.
Bookmark this page for live updates, postgame analysis, and all the drama as the road to the Calder Cup continues.
Let’s hear your prediction — who takes Game 3 tonight? Drop it in the comments below