Capitals extend affiliation with Hershey

May 23, 2012 - 4:43 PM Arlington, VA (Sports Network) - The Washington Capitals have extended their affiliation agreement with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears through the 2013-14 season.

"We are excited to extend our affiliation with the Hershey Bears," Capitals general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "The Bears are one of the most storied franchises in the AHL and we are looking forward to the continued development of some of our top prospects in Hershey."

The Bears recently completed their seventh season as Washington's AHL affiliate. In that time, the team has reached the playoffs all seven seasons and won the Calder Cup as league champ in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

Nineteen former or current Bears played in Washington this season, including goaltender Braden Holtby, who helped lift the Capitals over the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

"The combined efforts of the Capitals and the Bears have produced playoff teams each year and three championships here in Hershey since our partnership began," Hershey president and general manager Doug Yingst said. "Washington also eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champions using several players who developed in Hershey. It is a win-win for both parties and we are thrilled to team up again."

The Capitals and Bears were previously affiliated for seven seasons from 1977 to 1984. After 1984, the Bears were worked with the Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and the Colorado Avalanche before renewing their relationship with Washington in 2005.