08/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 06:03
It's been almost two months since Matt Strome's goal 66 seconds into overtime of Game 6 of the 2024 Calder Cup Finalsgave the Hershey Bearstheir 13th championship, giving Hershey its second of back-to-back postseason titles and extending its record-setting postseason dominance of the American Hockey League.
A spirited celebration at GIANT Centersoon followed, and the Calder Cup briefly made its way around town at the various favored hotspots of the players before the Bears departed for their summer homes.
But that does not mean the celebrations have concluded.
Like the NHL's Stanley Cup, the Bears make every effort to provide their players and hockey operations staff with their "Day with the Cup" in order to celebrate their hard-earned achievements with family and friends.
Here's a quick look at the Cup's travels across North America thus far:
The Cup made its first stop in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, as Finals rookie hero Nicky Leivermann took the trophy to his home state of Minnesota.
The Cup + a pup + good family and friends. Day well spent for Nicky Leivermann! pic.twitter.com/4tschDkxAk
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 19, 2024
The Cup traveled to Roseau, Minnesota, home of Bears alternate captain Aaron Ness.
Next stop for the @CalderCup: Roseau, MN pic.twitter.com/vxzaN0LNLR
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 23, 2024
From there, it was on to Michigan, where assistant coach Nick Bootland brought the Cup to several locations.
Assistant Coach Nick Bootland spent his day with the @CalderCup with family and friends, visiting Athletic Mentors, Gull Lake Country Club, and Pine Lake in Michigan! pic.twitter.com/liNYGoZipI
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 6, 2024
Next up was a swing through the Windy City, where Dmitry Osipov makes his offseason home, enjoying some foods of his native Russia.
The @CalderCup takes the Windy City!
Dmitry Osipov spent his day in Chicago, and enjoyed traditional Russian food from the cup. pic.twitter.com/G3276uEfW1
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 31, 2024
And what trip through Chicago would be complete without a visit to a famous Chicago landmark?
Which is shinier - the cup or The Bean? pic.twitter.com/LLdu8JuBYa
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 31, 2024
The Cup then made its way south to Texas, where head coach Todd Nelson was able to celebrate with a large group. In the past year, Nelson has twice become a grandfather, and the babies naturally made their way into the Cup's sterling silver bowl.
It's always family-first with the Nelsons - even on Nelly's day with the Cup! pic.twitter.com/2ctm0mo1uI
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 21, 2024
After that, it was on to British Columbia, where defenseman Jake Massie was joined by some actual real live bears!
Just a few bears and the cup pic.twitter.com/agFgEGqq42
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 9, 2024
The Cup remained in Vancouver, where forward Henrik Rybinski took a more subdued approach.
Roaring for Ryby's day with the cup! pic.twitter.com/DFXOptMZtn
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 12, 2024
Defenseman Vinny Iorio, meanwhile, made sure that his favorite sandwich cookie was readily available.
Snacking like a champ pic.twitter.com/pLzX6i0OVt
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 15, 2024
To close out the Cup's stay on the West Coast, goaltender Clay Stevenson was able to embody the quote: "Life's a garden - dig it!"
Good weather, good vibes, good company pic.twitter.com/Vm9gfOWkdg
- Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) August 20, 2024
With under two months to go until Opening Night for the 2024-25 Hershey Bearsseason, the Calder Cup still has plenty of frequent flier miles to log in its journeys amongst players and staff for the 2024 Calder Cup champions. Be sure to continue to follow the Bears on social media to keep up with where the Cup has been!