HERSHEY, PA – The outdoor rink sits at Hersheypark Stadium on a foggy night just a week before puck drop (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
It was a very foggy Sunday night in Hershey, the Bears had just won against the Connecticut Whale, and the outdoor rink at Hersheypark Stadium was getting prepared for an important game in a week. We headed over to the stadium after the game and got a few shots as the rink crew was working on the ice.
The rink taking shape at Hersheypark Stadium (Photo via our Instagram account)
Today kicks off our 2013 Outdoor Classic coverage here on Sweetest Hockey. We will be bringing you feature stories about the game and the events leading up to it right here. Check back with us everyday for a few new stories ranging from the assembly of the rink, to player interviews. Hope you enjoy!
In 2008, the NHL introduced a new event that has changed the game of hockey: the Winter Classic. Since then, five other NHL outdoor games have been played across the country. A few years the AHL decided take after their parent league and playing an outdoor game of their own and then officially establishing an Outdoor Classic a few years later. Since then, the Hershey Bears have taken part in two of them, and one of which will be played in less than a week.
HERSHEY, PA – Washington Capital Tom Poti stands during warm-ups on January 13, 2013 before playing his first game in two years (Tim Stough – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
January 12, 2011. That was the last time Tom Poti was on the ice playing in a hockey game. Poti has had a loitering groin problems and at one point, a fractured pelvis. “It was awesome,” Poti said after Hershey’s 5-0 win against the Connecticut Whale. “It’s good to have some fun again and play some hockey.”
HERSHEY, PA – Braden Holtby slides across the crease during a game earlier this season (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Earlier today, the AHL and the Hershey Bears announced that goalie Braden Holtby has been named CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for December. The 23-year-old netminder appeared in ten games last month, putting up a 1.69 goals-against average, a .943 save percentage, and three shutouts.
Earlier this morning, the Hershey Bears released a new promotional advertisement for the 2013 Outdoor Game. The commercial features goalie Braden Holtby inside Hersheypark Stadium at night between the pipes. We are less than a month away from the game…
HERSHEY, PA – The new Hershey Bears Hall of Fame wall (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
It was only appropriate, that on the 75th anniversary of the first home game in Hershey Bears history, that the first ever Hershey Bears Hall of Fame class was enshrined. Seven men were honored for their accomplishments as players, coaches. builders and a game official.
Saturday night, the Hershey Bears Wives and Girlfriends had another one of their fundraisers for a very worthy cause. In a continuation of a fundraiser started in 2005, the wives auctioned off custom made holiday ornaments made by the players, with all the proceeds going to the Hershey Medical Center Children’s Hospital.
The Hershey Bears Outdoor Classic jersey (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
In 1936, the Hershey B’ars were renamed the Hershey Bears, and two years later they joined the American Hockey League. This season marks the 75th season for the Chocolate and White in the AHL, with the team’s history being showcased in the Capital Blue Cross Outdoor Classic.
There was plenty of interest in Thursday’s AHL Showcase game at Verizon Center between Hershey and Norfolk, including that of the Washington DC media was excited to finally have a game to cover. Due to the game being so big, we have many leftovers from the game. Here are some of the interviews and photos that haven’t been seen yet from Hershey’s 2-1 win over Norfolk.
UPDATE:Players from the 2013-14 season have been added to the list of current players.
A few weeks ago a few fans asked me if I knew what Hershey Bears were on Twitter. Being so involved in Twitter, I wondered what players were tweeting myself. After a little bit of searching and a lot of help, we have a final list with over 70 Bears to present to you fans.