HERSHEY, Pa. — A bond between a Hershey Bears player and his number one fan became that much stronger Monday evening when the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup.
Cooper Schultz's connection with Jimmy Huntington brought him back to Chocolatetown again after his first long-awaited reunion back in March.
Huntington has always been Cooper Schultz's favorite player. They formed a special bond in Cooper's Corner, which included a pre-game ritual created when Huntington played in Milwaukee.
When Cooper and his dad, Brad, saw that Huntington would be returning to Hershey for the Calder Cup Finals with the Bears, they were certain they were making another trip to the Sweetest Place on Earth.
Less than 48 hours later, the Hershey Bears were champions, a special Calder Cup moment, Jimmy, Cooper and Brad could only dream of.
"We just won a championship, like oh my gosh... Jimmy’s my buddy," said Cooper.
"That relationship developed over the years and sometimes we have hockey but it’s bigger than the game," said Huntington. "The little things make this happen and I’m so happy they’re here so they can enjoy it with me."
Cooper and his dad hopped in the car Sunday morning and began their 12-hour road trip in what Cooper is calling 'The Boys Trip.' It was long days of travel, that didn't seem so long in reflection after a championship and a chance to watch their favorite player achieve his dream.
"We are back in Hershey again with just the boys," said Cooper. "Jimmy got his two goals before today. After the Bears win, the Bears are the champs."
Winning the cup is a moment every player dreams about. For Jimmy, his dream always included his number one fan right by his side.
Cooper's first visit resulted in a one-goal, one-assist performance that led to first-star honors for Huntington. His next reunion with Huntington led to a Calder Cup.
A good luck charm may be an understatement and only lends itself to the question, how special will Cooper's next meeting with Huntington be?
“[He’s] a lucky charm and he’s a lucky charm for Hershey,” said Huntington. “I just felt supported in this and it’s awesome.”
The full post-game celebration interview with Cooper and Jimmy: