Hershey, Pennsylvania, has a long and storied history with hockey, dating back to the early 20th century. From the formation of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League (EAHL) to the Hershey Bears' numerous Calder Cup championships and the vibrant youth tournaments, Hershey has been a hub for hockey enthusiasts.
Early Days of Hockey in Hershey
Hershey Convention Hall was completed in 1915, but it wasn’t until 1931 that an ice plant and rink were installed, allowing the building to be utilized during the winter months. During the 1932-1933 season, the Tri-State League was formed and featured the Hershey B’ars as one of the league clubs.
Hershey Bears history: A storied franchise
At the conclusion of the 1937-1938 season, the Bears won their third straight EAHL title and the United States Amateur Championship.
Hershey Bears in the AHL
In the AHL, the Hershey Bears continued to play well and reached the playoffs their first eight seasons in the league. In 1946-1947, the Bear’s ninth season, they took home their first Calder Cup after being down three games in the series and winning the seventh game with a 5-0 shutout against the Pittsburgh Hornets. After their initial victory in the Calder Cup tournament, the Hershey Bears have gone on to win eleven total to date. The Bears have won a championship in every decade since their organization.
In 2002, their fans transitioned with them from the “Old Barn” to the Giant Center, a 12,500-seat arena.
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Notable Achievements
- 1987-1988: Hershey Bears win their seventh Calder Cup Championship under the leadership of coach John Paddock.
- 2009-2010: Hershey Bears win their 11th Calder Cup Championship under the leadership of coach Mark French. Left winger Chris Bourque is named Most Valuable Player of the Playoffs.
Youth Hockey Tournaments
Over the weekend of June 7-9, 2015, the Summer Sizzler Hershey tournament brought competitive youth hockey to the forefront in Hershey, PA. Teams from the 10U to 18U divisions displayed their skills and determination, providing spectators with a series of intense and closely contested matches.
Summer Sizzler Hershey Tournament Results
Here's a summary of the results from the Summer Sizzler Hershey tournament:
| Division | Champion | Runner-Up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10U A | Hollydell Selects | Brandywine Outlaws | 7-5 |
| 10U B | Aviator Hockey | West Chester Wolverines ’15 Selects | 4-3 (OT) |
| 12U A | East Coast Yeti | Team Atlas | 5-3 |
| 12U B | CNY Squid | HLH Elite (Minor) | 11-1 |
| 14U A | HLH Elite (Major) | Central Penn Panthers | 11-2 |
| 14U B | Brandywine Outlaws | Navy Youth Hockey | 6-0 |
| 16U A | East Coast Vikings | KLA Steelheads | 12-2 |
| 16U AA | Palmer Polar Bears | Brandywine Outlaws | 8-2 |
| 18U AA | Red Bank Lumberjacks | Tri City Eagles (Orange) | 4-1 |
The Summer Sizzler Hershey concluded with each division witnessing strong performances and memorable moments.
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tags: #hershey #hockey #tournament