The Hershey Bears continue to load up their pipe line for next season as they try to three-peat as champions.
A day after announcing the signing of six depth players to AHL deals, the Bears signed forward Brett Hyland to a one-year deal.
Hyland, 21, was selected by the Washington Capitals in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft (200th overall). He led the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings in goals (32) and points (59), serving as an alternate captain for the team during his final year of junior eligibility.
Hyland was a double-overage pick by the Capitals after being passed up in both of his previous draft-eligible years. The Edmonton native was a teammate of Vincent Iorio for three seasons with the Wheat Kings. Hyland was also a participant in the Los Angeles Kings’ 2021 Development Camp as a free-agent invitee.
The six-foot, 194-pound left wing joined Hershey on an amateur tryout agreement on April 10, but was released four days later without playing in a game.
Here’s the full press release from the Hershey Bears:
BEARS SIGN WASHINGTON DRAFT PICK BRETT HYLAND TO AHL DEAL
Forward tallied 32 goals for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings last year
(Hershey, PA – July 19, 2024) – The 2024 Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears announced today that the club has signed forward Brett Hyland to an American Hockey League contract for the 2024-25 season.
Hyland, 21, enjoyed a career-year with the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings, leading the team with 59 points, and pacing the club with 32 goals. The native of Edmonton, Alberta served as an alternate captain for Brandon and collected five points (1g, 4a) in four playoff games. He joined Hershey on an amateur tryout agreement on April 10 but did not see any game action.
The 6′, 194-pound forward played parts of four seasons with Brandon, scoring 145 points (75g, 70a) in 195 WHL games. He was selected in the seventh round, 200th overall, in the 2023 draft by the Capitals.
The Hershey Bears are back-to-back Calder Cup Champions! The club will start its title defense as they open the 2024-25 season, presented by Penn State Health, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 versus the Cleveland Monsters at GIANT Center. Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now and more information is available at HersheyBears.com.
