Hershey Bears Host Hometown Heroes Game

First of two games celebrating military and emergency personnel

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Annually, the Hershey Bears hockey club is proud to host the Hometown Heroes game. This game brings fans, service members, veterans, and community members together to celebrate and honor the military. This special event, dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and commitment of the armed forces, blends ice hockey with patriotic activities and moving tributes in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the nation.

At each Hometown Heroes game, seats are reserved for active military and veterans, making the game accessible to the honored people. Military-themed activities add to the celebration, as representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, USO and Wreaths Across America set up booths to interact with fans and raise awareness about their missions.

On November 10, 2024, the Hometown Heroes game began with a unique puck drop, orchestrated by the U.S. Army Bomb Squad, which deployed a robot alongside a team member in full protective gear. Junior Starters, representing military children in the United Heroes League, stood on the ice with the Bears, highlighting military families' unique connections. After the puck drop, a giant flag was presented by the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, with enlistees waving it proudly as a local elementary school sang the National Anthem, uniting fans in an undeniable moment of patriotism. Hershey Bearsplayers wore hometown heroes-themed jerseys. These jerseys will be worn again at the Feb. 8th Hometown Heroes game. After that game, the jerseys will be auctioned off with a portion of the jersey sales donated to local organizations.

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Ferrara explained the inspiration behind the Hometown Heroes games, "We try to do something every year to show appreciation to our active service members and veterans." During intermissions, the audience enjoyed additional tributes. The first intermission featured a swearing-in ceremony for new enlistees, who took an oath on the ice, with fans witnessing the powerful moment firsthand. Later, during the second intermission, artist Cody Sabol completed an evocative finger-painted portrait of a soldier embracing his daughter in under ten minutes. The painting, a tribute to military families, will be auctioned at the next Hometown Heroes game.

Among the game's attendees, Sergeant First Class Karissa Fave with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard reflected on the event's importance. "I think events like these allow people to see us beyond the uniform and understand that we're part of the same community," Fave said. The National Guard, with its distinct role in responding to state emergencies, found it especially meaningful to connect with local fans.

Nina from Wreaths Across America emphasized the impact of the organization's message. "Remember, honor, and teach," said Nina. "It is important for people to understand that our freedom is not free and that veterans and their families have made sacrifices to preserve it."

Chief Corey Mink, from the Navy Recruiting Station in Lebanon, expressed gratitude for the Bears' tribute. "To take one day to honor all veterans is everything," Mink stated, underscoring the unity and pride that events like this foster within the military and the community alike.

The evening resonated with fans, too. A devoted Bears fan, Maureen praised the team's commitment to military families, noting, "It's not just about what they do on the ice. The Bears are deeply embedded in this community, and this event shows they truly care about supporting our military." Another fan, Valery, shared her appreciation for the Bears' acknowledgment of the military's sacrifices, saying, "I hope the community realizes just how much has been given up for us."

Two young enlistees, Evan and Cole, were sworn in at the ceremony. "It was an amazing experience," Evan remarked. "To have the crowd cheering was incredible." Cole echoed his excitement, adding, "Being sworn in at a Hershey Bears game was a great honor as a longtime Bears fan and future soldier."

For Ferrara, the game sent a clear message: "As an organization, we honor, value, appreciate, and respect our local hometown heroes. We want to give back to the community that supports us in many ways." She hoped fans would leave with "a feeling of pride and a renewed respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve us."

To top off a tremendous celebration, the Bears secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in overtime. Yet, the true highlight of the evening was the tribute to those who served. The Hometown Heroes game not only allowed the Bears to show appreciation for the military but also reinforced their commitment to the local community-a relationship built on honor, gratitude, and respect that helps to remind fans of the freedoms that make events like this possible.