Dylan McIlrath embracing veteran, leadership role with Hershey Bears

McIlrath embracing veteran, leadership role with Hershey Bears originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Just over one minute remained in Game 4 of the Hershey Bears playoff victory over the Charlotte Checkers when the puck landed on Dylan McIlrath's stick deep in his defensive zone.

With Hershey well in control of the game -- leading by three goals at the time -- the Bears' captain flung the puck across the boards, hoping to force Charlotte to reset in their own zone.

Instead, McIlrath's clearing attempt ricocheted off the boards and traveled over 100 feet down the ice and into the empty net for Hershey's sixth and final goal of the game. It was an awesome moment for McIlrath, his first goal of the entire season and one that put the finishing touches on Hershey's series win over Charlotte.

McIlrath, 31, is one of the veterans for Hershey on a roster full of players in their early 20s. He's also one of the few Bears players that have been on a Calder Cup run before, as he won the title as a member of the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2017, ironically under the leadership of current Hershey head coach Todd Nelson.

Knowing he's one of the veterans on the team, McIlrath told NBC Sports Washington he's leaning on his past experiences to help lead the younger Bears on a deep playoff run.

"You've got to prepare every day and approach it one day at a time," McIlrath said. "We have the group to do it, so we've just got to stay in it mentally. ... I'm just trying to go about my business and show them my preparation. Sometimes actions speak louder than words. In-game, you've got to do all the little things that it takes to win. It's going to be every game that we have to do it. That's just been my mentality."

Several of McIlrath's teammates praised him for his leadership, including AHL rookie defenseman Vincent Iorio, the Capitals' second-round pick in 2021.

"Rookie years always have ups and downs," Iorio said. "Having that veteran leadership and the veteran group that we have here, they've really helped weather that. For all the young guys, they've taken us in and they've treated us so well. They've really helped us learn the ropes."

McIlrath's experience, leadership and history with Nelson earned him the 'C' on his jersey ahead of the 2022-23 season, an honor he said he doesn't take lightly.

"It's been special," McIlrath said. "[My] first time being a captain in this league. It's definitely a big honor, especially in this organization with all its rich history. I don't take it lightly and it's been a very fun season."

Having played under Nelson for now three seasons, McIlrath appreciates the way his head coach lets the veterans "control the room." As a tradeoff, McIlrath feels Nelson demands a lot of his players come game-time, a strategy that's led to success before.

"He prepares us by showing us what we need to do," McIlrath said. "He gives the team and the veterans a lot of leeway. He lets us control the room, so he doesn't have to come in and say too much sometimes. I really like working for him, obviously. It's worked before and hopefully, it can work again."

McIlrath's strong play in Hershey this season earned him a call-up to the Capitals in February, marking the first time he played at the NHL level since December 2019. The 31-year-old appeared in six games for Washington, registering one point in an average of just under 12 minutes of ice time per game.

Joining the Capitals midseason, even if it was for only six games, was a major confidence boost for McIlrath and a reminder he could still play at the highest level.

"It had been a few years since I'd played a [NHL] game," he said. "My approach this season was to be a pro, hopefully win down here and the chips would fall where they may. Obviously, being rewarded with a call-up was huge to know I can still compete for a spot up there and be called upon. It was a great experience and hopefully I can keep that going into next year."

For now, McIlrath's sole focus is leading Hershey to the Calder Cup. The Bears are set to begin a five-game series against the Hartford Wolfpack on Thursday for a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals.