Hershey Bears’ Jon McDonald Scores Unbelievable Bank Shot Goal
HERSHEY, PA — Hershey Bears defenseman Jon McDonald experienced a career highlight on Saturday, February 21, 2026, scoring his fifth AHL goal in a game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The goal, however, wasn’t a display of skill, but a remarkable stroke of luck.
A Fortuitous Bounce
Following a faceoff win by Grant Cruikshank, McDonald sent a dump-in towards the Phantoms’ zone. The puck then took an improbable path, striking a stanchion and bouncing into the net past a stunned Carson Bjarnason, the Phantoms’ goaltender. The goal gave the Bears a 1-0 lead in front of a sold-out crowd at the Giant Center.
McDonald’s Impact Beyond the Scoreboard
Whereas known more for his physical play, McDonald has contributed 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists) in 73 games over the past two seasons with the Bears. This goal, however, is likely to be remembered as the most unusual of his career.
Bears Bounce Back After Friday’s Loss
The goal came after a 4-1 loss to the Phantoms the previous night, providing a much-needed boost for the Bears and their fans. The game against their intrastate rivals was a key contest for both teams.
The Role of Luck in Hockey
While skill and strategy are paramount in hockey, moments of sheer luck can dramatically alter the course of a game. This goal serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously planned plays can be overshadowed by an unexpected bounce.
Analyzing the “Lucky” Goal
The physics of the bounce suggest a precise combination of angle and velocity was required for the puck to find its way into the net. While seemingly random, such occurrences highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport. The stanchion acted as an unconventional redirector, turning a routine play into a highlight-reel moment.
Recent Player Movement: Capitals and Bears
The Hershey Bears recently received seven players back from the Washington Capitals, as reported on February 22, 2026. This movement underscores the close relationship between the two teams and the importance of Hershey as a developmental hub for Washington.
Hershey Bears Recent Performance
The Hershey Bears topped the Bridgeport Islanders 4-1 in a game where photos were captured, showcasing the team’s performance. This win followed the game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Capitals Training Camp Cuts
The Washington Capitals recently made their first cuts of training camp, signaling the ongoing process of finalizing their roster. This impacts player availability for both the Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
FAQ
Q: How many career AHL goals does Jon McDonald have?
A: Jon McDonald has five career AHL goals.
Q: Who did the Hershey Bears play against when McDonald scored his goal?
A: The Hershey Bears played against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Q: Where did the game take place?
A: The game took place at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA.
Q: What happened immediately before McDonald’s goal?
A: Grant Cruikshank won a neutral zone faceoff and McDonald sent a dump-in into the offensive zone.
Did you know? A stanchion is a supporting post or pillar, often found around the perimeter of an ice rink.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on the Hershey Bears – they are a key development team for the Washington Capitals, and often feature promising young players.
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