Hershey Bears Add Size and Depth to Blue Line with Pair of Veteran Defensive Signings
HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Bears continued to strengthen their roster for the 2026-27 American Hockey League season on Monday, announcing the signings of defensemen Jérémie Biakabutuka and Rhett Parsons to AHL contracts. The moves add a combination of size, professional experience, and defensive depth as the Bears prepare for another run at the Calder Cup.
The signings were announced by Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan Helmer as Hershey continues reshaping its roster ahead of training camp.
Biakabutuka Brings Offensive Ability from the Blue Line
Jérémie Biakabutuka arrives in Hershey after a productive season with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers, where he led all Oilers defensemen with 23 points on four goals and 19 assists in just 43 games. The 24-year-old has developed a reputation as a defenseman capable of contributing offensively while using his 6-foot-4, 203-pound frame to defend effectively.
Although most of his professional success has come in the ECHL, Biakabutuka has also appeared in 16 career AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Springfield Thunderbirds, and San Diego Gulls, recording one assist.
Across 151 ECHL games with Orlando, Florida, and Tulsa, the Quebec native has registered 73 points (16 goals, 57 assists), showing steady offensive growth throughout his professional career.
Before turning pro, Biakabutuka enjoyed an impressive four-year junior career in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Skating for the Val-d’Or Foreurs, Rimouski Océanic, and Charlottetown Islanders, he totaled 118 points (40 goals, 78 assists) in 266 games while developing into one of the league’s more dependable two-way defensemen.
An interesting sports connection also follows him to Hershey. Biakabutuka is the nephew of former Michigan Wolverines star running back Tim Biakabutuka, who was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 1996 NFL Draft.
Parsons Adds Size and Physical Presence
The Bears also added another imposing defender by signing Rhett Parsons.
The 22-year-old Alberta native stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 222 pounds, giving Hershey another physical presence on the back end. Parsons spent last season splitting time between the Toronto Marlies and Cincinnati Cyclones.
He appeared in eight games for Toronto in the AHL, recording one assist, while skating in 53 contests for Cincinnati in the ECHL, where he posted eight points (one goal, seven assists).
Over 115 career ECHL games, Parsons has collected 13 points while establishing himself as a dependable stay-at-home defenseman willing to play a physical style.
Prior to beginning his professional career, Parsons spent four seasons with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He appeared in 219 games, totaling 52 points (17 goals, 35 assists), and served as an alternate captain during his final two seasons. Bears fans may also recognize a familiar connection—Parsons was teammates with current Hershey goaltender Garin Bjorklund during their time in Medicine Hat.
What These Moves Mean for Hershey
Neither signing is expected to dramatically change Hershey’s lineup overnight, but both players provide valuable organizational depth.
Biakabutuka offers offensive upside and power-play potential from the blue line, while Parsons supplies physicality, penalty-killing ability, and reliable defensive play. Both defenders will compete for roster spots during training camp and give the Bears additional options throughout what is expected to be another long season.
The signings also continue Hershey’s tradition of identifying players who can develop within the organization while providing reliable depth for both the Bears and the Washington Capitals’ development system.
Looking Ahead
The Bears will begin their 89th season in the American Hockey League on Saturday, October 3, when they host the Charlotte Checkers at GIANT Center. As training camp approaches, Hershey’s roster continues to take shape with a blend of returning veterans, developing prospects, and experienced free-agent additions.
MSB Take
These are the types of signings championship organizations consistently make. While neither Biakabutuka nor Parsons will generate the headlines of an NHL free-agent signing, both fill important organizational needs. Biakabutuka’s offensive production at the ECHL level suggests he could earn a larger AHL role, while Parsons provides the kind of size and toughness that becomes increasingly valuable during the grind of a playoff run.
For the Capitals organization, adding experienced defensemen also creates competition throughout the system, ensuring prospects continue to earn their ice time rather than being handed roster spots. Hershey has built one of the AHL’s most successful organizations by making smart depth moves like these, and these signings fit that philosophy perfectly.
