The Hershey Bears are playoff bound for the 72nd time in franchise history, and they are the first team in the AHL to clinch a spot so far this season.

They did so with their 5-2 win in Chicago, sweeping the Wolves in their fourth and fifth game of a ten-game road trip, the longest in franchise history. Hershey is looking to make even more history, and become the second team in AHL history to win three straight Calder Cups.

Laval Rocket still owns the league’s best record at 39-16-2-1 and 81 points, a five-point lead on Rochester, the second place team in the North Division, and a one-point lead on Hershey in AHL overall standings.

“It’s always good to clinch a playoff spot,” said Todd Neson, “now we’re working towards trying to stay at the top of our division so we can get that bye and don’t have to play that first round.”

“It feels great,” said Spencer Smallman. “That’s a long way from our goal, but it’s nice to check off the list.”

Hershey continues their road trip with a visit to Springfield on Wednesday night, with visits to Hartford, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Bridgeport and Utica left in the trip’s itinerary.