ARLINGTON, Va., Va., – The Washington Capitals have assigned left wing Chris Bourque to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Bourque, a 5’9”, 173-pound native of Boston , Mass. , was the Capitals’ second-round choice, 33rd overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut this season (Nov. 16 vs. Atlanta ) and has skated in four games for Washington , recording two penalty minutes. The third-year professional has played in 51 games with Hershey this season, posting 42 points (18-24).