Hampus Gustafsson Scores First Pro Point Against Binghamton

After signing as a free agent with the Washington Capitals, Hampus Gustafsson joined the Hershey Bears on an amateur tryout deal. While most ATO signees rarely see one game, Gustafsson was called upon after center Zach Sill went down with an injury.

In only this third game with the Bears, Gustafsson set up Riley Barber for a perfect pass to Hubert Labrie to give Hershey a 1-0 lead Wednesday night. That assist marked the first point as a professional in Gustafsson’s career – a special feeling for the 23-year-old. “It was nice but nice to get the win too,” Gustafsson said after the game. “We needed that for the push into the playoffs.”

The Merrimack College product has impressed the coaching staff early on in his Hershey career. “He’s been excellent,” Mann said Wednesday. “6-foot-4 center that can win some draws seems to be real good in his d-zone coverage. I felt some chemistry with [Gustafsson], Vrana and Barber last time they played and against tonight I thought they were our best line. Unfortunately, he can’t make the trip to St. John’s because of immigration.”

While the 2017 Hobey Baker nominee would have loved to have made the trip, he has still enjoyed his time in the second highest level of hockey in the world. “The players are really good. Very skilled and aggressive,” said Gustafsson. “Just coming from college hockey it’s a lot different here in the AHL, but I enjoy it. It’s fun to play with these guys.”