Sports Wire: Senators, Piranhas, Bears • 00.09.28

Sports Wire
Regional, Local, and Recreational Sports News

by Brian Phillips

Senators Streak Snapped at Four
The Harrisburg Senators ended their 2000 season disappointingly. After squeaking out a spot in the Southern Division Finals by beating the Akron Aeros in a one game playoff, the four-time defending Eastern League Champions were manhandled by the Reading Phillies in a speedy manner. Losing the first two games in a best of five series in Reading, the Senators came home to City Island, hoping to tie the Series. The Phillies, however, had other things in mind, handing the Senators their hope of a 5th consecutive Eastern League Championship on a silver platter. After taking an early lead in Game Three, the Senators watched it all slip away when, in the 4th inning, the Phillies smacked three homers to take the lead. There was no looking back for the Phillies. A 9 – 4 victory sent the Phillies onto the Easter League Championship series and the Senators home for the winter. A disappointing end to an exciting season.

In fact, the Senators have already announced their 2001 schedule. And with a new season comes change. Changes for next year include a brand new manager, a new director of Player Development and, of course, new hope for another winning season. Good Luck, Senators.

To contact the Senators call 231-4444 or visit them on the web at senatorsbaseball.com.

Piranha Show Support of Local Girl
The Piranha are still at it. They continue in their winning ways. Their record is now at an amazing 79 – 4. They continue to hold an undefeated home record and with each win inch closer and closer to another North American Football League (NAFL) Championship. In addition, this Saturday the Piranha are extending a helping hand to a member of the community. On Saturday September 30 when the Piranha play the DC Stars at McCasky Stadium in Lancaster, a portion of every ticket sold will go to help Ashley Block. Ashley is a four-year-old who tragically lost her sight in a freak car accident. Ashley and the Block family are hoping to travel to London for restorative surgery, but the expense is quite high. The Piranha, in hopes of defraying part of the expense, are donating two dollars from each ticket sold to the Block family. If you haven’t seen the Piranha play, here is the perfect opportunity. Come out and support the team and a great cause. The game is at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there!

For more information about Ashley and the game log on and go to centralpennpiranha.com/promo.html

Hershey Bears Prepare for 2000-2001 Season
If the Major League Pennant race, the start of the NFL and NCAA football seasons, the 2000 Sydney Olympics, plus Golf and NASCAR aren’t enough sports for ya, it’s hockey season. That’s right, the NHL and the AHL have begun preparations for their new season. Doesn’t it seem like the hockey season just ended? Well, that isn’t too far from the truth. Hockey boasts the longest professional season of any sport. Preparation and mini-camps begin in August and then preseason exhibitions start in September (more on that in a minute). The regular schedule begins the first week of October and the Stanley Cup Championship ends at the end of April. Do the math — that’s nine months. Only three months to recover from nine months of fights, checks, and lost teeth. Their loss is the fan’s gain. Most hockey fans just can’t get enough, and for those of you who have gone to see a live hockey game, you know that there is nothing better. The speed, the action, the excitement, and especially the fights.

Saturday, September 23 was no exception. The first day of hockey in Hershey featured two NHL teams — the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins — in an exhibition which would, in part, help to determine who would remain on the Avalanche roster and who would stay in Hershey and begin training camp with the Bears on September 25. The game, which drew 6500+ fans, was everything that you would expect from this sort of exhibition. It was a blend of NHL talent, including greats like Joe Sakic, Adam Foote, and Ray Borque, blended with unknowns, and a few familiar Bears’ faces in Avalanche Jerseys. Some of the Bears’ players on the ice looked great, and it would not be surprising to see them spend some time in Colorado this season — especially Goalie David Aebischer who stopped 22 out 24 shots on net, and who could also be the back up for Patrick Roy the veteran goal keeper for the Avalanche. Performances by Dan Hinote and Scott Parker could also land them a spot on Colorado’s 23-man roster.

Hockey’s here, and if you’re ready to check out a little on-ice action, there are two preseason games this weekend: September 29 against the Norfolk Admirals and September 30 against the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Plus, the Bears’ home opener is scheduled for October 14 against the Bears’ archrival, the Philadelphia Phantoms. All games start at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available by calling the Hersheypark Arena Box Office at 534-3911.