Casey Saussaman

After sustaining an upper-body injury on March 1, Bears center Mike Sgarbossa made his long-awaited return. The Canadian center was forced to miss the final 21 games of the regular season, and more importantly, tonight’s contest marks Sgarbossa’s first playoff appearance for Hershey since May 4, 2023. In that game, Sgarbossa registered an assist in Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals against Charlotte; Sgarbossa did not dress for the remainder of the 2023 playoffs due to injury and was ineligible to play for Hershey during the 2024 postseason. Sgarbossa has seven points (3g, 4a) in 12 career playoff games with Hershey.

Over the course of seven seasons, Sgarbossa has registered 268 total points in 297 games played for the Chocolate and White. At the conclusion of the 2024-25 regular season, Sgarbossa is tied for 46th in franchise history in goals (93), ranks 26th in assists (175) and ranks 36th in total points.

“He hasn’t played in a long time, but for the most part he kept it pretty simple, which I liked,” says Todd Nelson, Hershey Bears head coach. “He’s a veteran guy that adds more variety to our lineup combinations, so his presence truly means a lot during the playoffs.”

The Campbellville, Ontario, native bounced between various NHL franchises, including Anaheim, Florida and Winnipeg. From 2012 onward, the talented center has played in 93 total NHL games, tallying 25 points (9g, 16a). Sgarbossa would eventually make his way to Chocolatetown beginning in the 2018-19 season. 

“He’s a solid pro,” Nelson said. “It’s a great opportunity for the young draft picks and prospects from Europe to watch how Sgarbossa prepares for games and practices. Because he trains hard and takes care of himself, his consistency is always on display.”

After clinching the first game against their foes from Allentown, Sgarbossa and the Hershey Bears look to maintain that relentless spirit in game two of the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

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