HERSHEY, PA – Louis Robitaille walks out on the ice for the second half of the alumni game (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
The setting was perfect. The weather was flawless as well. The Outdoor Classic weekend kicked off with an Alumni game between the Bears and Penguins at Hersheypark Stadium. The competitive spirit of both teams showed, but the Penguins had a younger average age. and came up with a 9-5 victory.
HERSHEY, PA – Dany Sabourin and Matt Clackson participate in the outdoor practice Saturday morning (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Saturday morning, the Bears finally got to test out the outdoor ice with a practice. For a few guys, this was the first time they wore skates on the pond at Hersheypark Stadium, but for others this was their second time out after the family skate. Below the jump are 40+ photos from the skate around for your viewing pleasure.
Hershey Bears practice earlier this morning (Photo via our Instagram account)
The Outdoor Classic is just over 24-hours away and Bears players are getting more and more excited as the game draws closer. After getting their first look at the Hersheypark Stadium rink, the Bears gave their thoughts on what the experience will mean to them.
Large “puck” set up on the field inside Hersheypark Stadium (Photo via our Instagram account)
Tomorrow morning at 11 am, the Outdoor Classic weekend officially kicks off with the Pepsi FanFest. Many events will be happening so let’s get talking.
HERSHEY, PA – Jon DiSalvatore, Boyd Kane, and Ryan Potulny share a laugh while shooting Outdoor Classic TV Open (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Tonight the Hershey Bears and their families took to the Hersheypark Stadium ice for the first time. There was no sticks or puck involved, just fun and some loved ones. The broadcast TV crew also got some great shots for Sunday’s telecast, one of which includes d-man Steve Oleksy providing some very funny moments.
Some final rink preps at Hersheypark Stadium (Photo via our Instagram account)
The Outdoor Classic between the Bears and Penguins will be seen live on abc27 Harrisburg in HD Sunday at 5pm. The Bears and abc27 made the announcement late today.
HERSHEY, PA – The Zamboni floods the ice at Hersheypark Stadium Wednesday night (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
After months of planning and over a week of physical construction, the Hersheypark Stadium rink is nearly ready for the Outdoor Classic. Before the Bears and Penguins take the ice, other teams will skate on the new surface to help “break it in” for the big game on Sunday.
HERSHEY, PA – Two of the three co-coaches, Ralph Keller (center) and Willie Marshall speak to Doug Yingst at the Hershey Bears Hall of Fame induction ceremony back in December (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)
Earlier this morning, the Hershey Bears and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced their rosters for the alumni game on January 19th. Headlined by Bears greats Tim Tookey and Mitch Lamoureux, 21 Bears (with four goalies) are scheduled to play in the game. The list also includes former Bears tough guys Louis Robitaille and Dennis Bonvie (who will be playing for Wilkes-Barre.) Bears greats Ralph Keller, Willie Marshall and Mike Nykoluk will serve as co-coaches for the game.
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.