SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Crunch defeated the Hershey Bears, 5-2, tonight in the season opener at the Giant Center.

The Bears got out to a 2-0 lead early in the second period, but the Crunch responded with five unanswered goals to secure the victory.

Jakob Pelletier led Syracuse in scoring with two goals and one assist, while Charle-Edouard D’Astous notched one goal and two assists. Dominic James tallied his first two pro points with a goal and an assist. Six other Crunch skaters recorded at least one point tonight.

Crunch goaltender Brandon Halverson earned the win stopping 14-of-16 shots. Clay Stevenson turned aside 34-of-38 shots for the Bears. Syracuse special teams converted on 3-of-6 power play opportunities while holding Hershey scoreless on four man-advantages.

After a s

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