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The Hershey Bears secured their place in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs with a decisive 5-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday (April 15). This win, combined with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds, ensured the Bears' postseason berth. The Bears, who have claimed the Calder Cup 13 times, will be making their 73rd playoff appearance since joining the American Hockey League (AHL) in 1938.
The Bears' victory marks a significant achievement as they aim to win their third Calder Cup in four years. Hershey's performance this season has been bolstered by strong team dynamics and strategic gameplay. The AHL's regular season is set to conclude this weekend, with the Bears positioned among six Atlantic Division teams qualifying for the playoffs. The top two teams, Providence and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, will receive byes into the division semifinals, while the remaining teams will compete in best-of-three first-round series.
For more information on the Calder Cup Playoff races and updates, fans can visit the official AHL Playoff Primer. The Bears continue to draw local support, with games at the GIANT Center being a staple attraction in central Pennsylvania. Fans can catch all the action on the Bears Radio Network or stream games via the Hershey Bears app.