HERSHEY, Pa. — The voice of the Bears Zack Fisch sent the crowd into a frenzy on Saturday as highlights from the Calder Cup Finals played overhead in an electric opening night for the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center.
The fans were anxious to show off their Mike Vecchione "roar" as they flooded the concourse.
Raising a banner is always special and in "Chocolate Town" the Bears only raise championship victories; this night was a must-see event for fans.
Daniel Clemente, a new season ticket holder from Manheim, couldn't miss it.
"We've been waiting for the whole summer for this, we watched the entire Calder Cup Finals, it was exciting to sit there till two in the morning playing in California we are so excited to be here though, go Bears baby, go Bears!"
From near and far "Bears Nation" roared in the den to witness the Calder Cup champs drop the puck on a new campaign.
Rob Parkes, a U.S. serviceman stationed in Miramar, California, saw the Bears in person face Coachella Valley. The Mechanicsburg native made the trip back East to see his Bears in person once again.
"You miss the camaraderie that you get with other Hershey Bears fans, players. Been a fan since I was a young boy and got to see my first game in the barn. You just gotta come home, it's nice to be home."
The squad was also honored with their championship rings. One by one, the players got their rings with big smiles and hugs. Head Coach Todd Nelson's roar from the crowd almost brought down the house.
Then it was time for the team to take the ice, from Jake Massie to Logan Day, and Aaron Ness, they all entered with smiles. Garrett Pilon may be a Belleville Senator now but he looks good wearing the chocolate and white one more time. "Mr. Game Seven" Mike Vecchione and finally Captain Dylan McIlrath entered to a standing ovation.
As the roars continued, the players loved their first look at their new jewelry. Finally, it was time for the banner to head to the rafters. It was an emotional time for the players and the fans as the banner finally hung in its rightful place.
The focus now is on the future.
The countdown to number 13 is on.