Capitals extend deal with Bears

May 23, 2008 - 1:25 AM ARLINGTON, Virginia (Ticker) -- The Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears will remain partners for at least a few more years.

The Capitals on Thursday extended their affiliation agreement with the Bears through the 2009-10 season with an option for 2010-11.

Hershey recently completed its third campaign as Washington's AHL affiliate. The Bears won the Calder Cup championship in 2005-06, the first season of the agreement, and also reached the Finals in 2006-07.

The teams, which are based less than 140 miles apart, also were affiliated from 1977-84.