Belpedio leads Bears into opener as Lakovic eyes professional debut
Hershey hosts Charlotte with a new captain and a possible first professional meeting between the Bitten brothers.
Louie Belpedio will begin the season as Hershey's new captain when the Bears host the Charlotte Checkers at GIANT Center on Saturday, Oct. 3. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
The Bears named the defenceman captain Friday, succeeding Aaron Ness, who retired during the offseason. Jonny Brodzinski and Jacob MacDonald will serve as alternate captains at home; Josh Dunne and Spencer Smallman will wear the letters on the road.
Lynden Lakovic is expected to make his professional debut. Washington selected the forward 27th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Player and staff introductions are scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
Hershey forward Sam Bitten could face his brother Will Bitten, now with Charlotte, for the first time in their professional careers, according to the Bears' preview.
The matchup is the first of eight between the clubs this season. The game streams on AHLTV on FloHockey, with radio pre-game coverage beginning at 5:30 p.m.
