History of Hershey Bears in Timeline
The Hershey Bears are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL), based in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They have been continuously operating since the 1938-39 season, making them the longest continuously operating member club of the league still playing in its original city.
February 18, 1931: First formal hockey game in Hershey
On February 18, 1931, the first formal hockey game ever played in Hershey took place when Penn A.C. and Villanova University faced off in the Hershey Ice Palace.
November 19, 1931: Swarthmore Athletic Club plays first game in Hershey
On November 19, 1931, Swarthmore Athletic Club moved into the Ice Palace, where they played their first game against Crescent A.C. of New York City. Lloyd S. Blinco played for Crescent that night and came to Hershey the next season.
1932: Hershey Hockey Club established by Milton Hershey
In 1932, Milton Hershey established the Hershey Hockey Club to bring pro hockey to Hershey. The first team was the amateur Hershey B'ars in the Tri-State Hockey League.
1932: Hershey Hockey Club established
In 1932, chocolate manufacturer Milton S. Hershey established the "Hershey Hockey Club" to manage professional hockey teams based in Hershey.
1933: Hershey joins Eastern Amateur Hockey League as Chocolate B'ars
In 1933, the Tri-State Hockey League reformed into the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. Hershey played as the "Chocolate B'ars" from 1933 to 1934.
1934: Hershey team continues as the "B'ars"
From 1934 to 1936, Hershey's team continued to play in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League as the "B'ars".
December 19, 1936: EAHL Bears move to Hersheypark Arena
On December 19, 1936, the newly renamed EAHL Bears moved from the Ice Palace to the newly constructed 7,286-seat Hersheypark Arena.
1936: Team name changed to Hershey Bears
From 1936 to 1938, the Hershey team officially adopted the name "Hershey Bears" in response to criticism that the "B'ars" moniker was too commercial.
1936: Hersheypark Arena becomes home of EAHL Hershey Bears
In 1936, Hersheypark Arena became the home of the EAHL Hershey Bears.
1936: Canadian-American Hockey League and International Hockey League form interlocking schedule
In 1936, the Canadian–American Hockey League and International Hockey League formed an eight-team "circuit of mutual convenience" playing an interlocking schedule as the International-American Hockey League.
1937: Bears win EAHL championship and participate in CAHA tournament
In 1937, the Hershey Bears won the EAHL championship and then participated in an international tournament arranged by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) to determine a world's amateur champion in Toronto. The game between Hershey and Winnipeg was cancelled and the tournament completed by a best-of-three series between Sudbury and Wembley.
June 28, 1938: Can-Am and IHL merge into IAHL
On June 28, 1938, the Can-Am and IHL formally merged into a single league under the IAHL name. One of the first acts of the newly merged league was to grant an expansion franchise to the Hershey Bears Hockey Club.
1938: Hersheypark Arena Becomes Home
In 1938, Hersheypark Arena became the home of the AHL club. From 1938 to 2002 the arena served as the home to hockey in Hershey.
1938: Hershey Bears continue play
In 1938, the Hershey Bears continued under that name in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League.
1938: Bears join the AHL
In 1938, the Hershey Bears joined the American Hockey League (AHL), then known as the International-American Hockey League. The current Bears club has played in the AHL since then, making it the longest continuously operating member club of the league still playing in its original city.
1940: IAHL becomes American Hockey League
In 1940, the IAHL was renamed the American Hockey League.
1942: Regular-season title
In 1942-43, Ralph "Cooney" Weiland guided Hershey throughout the war years winning regular-season titles.
1943: Regular-season title
In 1943-44, Ralph "Cooney" Weiland guided Hershey throughout the war years winning regular-season titles. The Bears' 13 losses in 1942–43 are still the fewest by the club in a single season while Wally Kilrea's 99 points that season gave Hershey its first of ten AHL scoring champions.
1947: First Calder Cup title
In 1947, Hershey won their first of 13 Calder Cup titles under second year coach Don Penniston while also winning their fourth Division title in just nine seasons.
1948: Arnie Kullman Joins the Bears
In 1948, 21-year-old Arnie Kullman joined the Hershey Bears and played his entire twelve-year career in Hershey, except for a brief stint with the Boston Bruins in 1949-50.
1949: Arnie Kullman plays briefly for the Boston Bruins
In 1949, Arnie Kullman played 13 games with the Boston Bruins before returning to the Hershey Bears.
1950: Johnny Crawford appointed coach
In 1950, Johnny Crawford became the coach of the Hershey Bears, serving until 1952.
1951: Hershey division title win
In 1951-52, Johnny Crawford guided Hershey to another division title.
1952: Murray Henderson appointed player-coach
In 1952, Murray Henderson became the player-coach for the Hershey Bears, serving until 1956.
1953: George Sullivan wins AHL MVP and scoring title
In 1953-54, George "Red" Sullivan became the second Bear to win a scoring title and the first to be named the league's MVP, collecting 119 points in 69 games to set an AHL regular-season scoring record.
1954: Don Cherry debuts with Hershey Bears
In 1954, Don "Grapes" Cherry made his professional debut with the Hershey Bears as a 20-year-old defenseman during the 1954–55 season.
1956: Don Cherry plays for the club
In 1956, Don "Grapes" Cherry also played for the Hershey Bears during the 1956–57 season.
1956: Murray Henderson departs as coach
In 1956, Murray Henderson ended his tenure as player-coach for the Hershey Bears.
1956: Acquisition of Pittsburgh Hornets' players
In 1956, with the demise of the AHL Pittsburgh Hornets, the Hershey Bears acquired seven of the Calder Cup champion Hornets' best players, including Gil Mayer and Willie Marshall. Frank S. Mathers also joined the team.
1956: Mathers era starts
In 1956-57, the Mathers era in Hershey started slowly with a fourth-place finish.
1957: Back-to-back Calder Cup titles
In 1957-58, the Hershey Bears, led by player-coach Frank Mathers, won back-to-back Calder Cup titles.
1957: Hershey Bears last division title
The 1957-58 season was the last time the Hershey Bears had won a division title prior to winning it again in 1966.
1958: Mike Nykoluk joins the Bears
In 1958, 23-year-old center Mike Nykoluk joined the Hershey Bears, after having split the previous two seasons between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL club in Rochester.
1958: Bears win both regular season and playoff championships
In 1958, the Hershey Bears won both the regular season and playoff championships, with Bobby Perreault and Gil Mayer in goal, Willie Marshall and Dunc Fisher as the league's top two scorers, and Frank Mathers earning All-Star honors.
1960: Arnie Kullman Retires
In 1960, Arnie Kullman retired from the Hershey Bears. He had amassed 629 points in a Hershey uniform, a total later surpassed by Tim Tookey and Mike Nykoluk.
1962: Barry Ashbee and Roger DeJordy join the Hershey Bears
In 1962, Barry Ashbee and Roger DeJordy joined the Hershey Bears. Ashbee played as a defenseman from 1962 to 1970, and DeJordy played as a forward from 1962 to 1970.
1963: Chuck Hamilton joins the Hershey Bears
Chuck Hamilton played for the Hershey Bears from 1963 to 1970 for a total of seven seasons.
1963: Ralph Keller and Michel Harvey join the Hershey Bears
In 1963, Ralph Keller and Michel Harvey joined the Hershey Bears. Keller played as a defenseman from 1963 to 1972, and Harvey played as a forward from 1963 to 1971.
1965: Gil Gilbert joins the Hershey Bears
In 1965, Gil Gilbert joined the Hershey Bears. Gilbert played as a forward from 1965 to 1972.
1966: Hershey Bears win their division's regular-season title
In 1966, the Hershey Bears, led by league MVP Mike Nykoluk, won their division's regular-season title for the first time since 1957-58 with a 38-24-10 record.
1968: Hershey Bears win the Calder Cup
In 1968, the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Quebec Aces in five games.
1970: Chuck Hamilton leaves the Hershey Bears
Chuck Hamilton played for the Hershey Bears from 1963 to 1970 for a total of seven seasons.
1971: Ralph "Cooney" Weiland elected to Hockey Hall of Fame
In 1971, former Boston Bruins' coach and Hockey Hall of Fame member Ralph "Cooney" Weiland was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
1972: Frank Mathers ends 17-year coaching run
At the close of the 1972-73 season, Frank Mathers ended his unbroken 17-year run as coach to devote his efforts full-time to his duties as GM.
1972: Gordie Howe inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
In 1972, Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey", was selected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Although he himself did not play there, he once remarked, "Everybody who is anybody in hockey has played in Hershey."
1972: Mike Nykoluk retires and jersey retired
In 1972, Mike Nykoluk retired from the Hershey Bears. At the time, he was the AHL's fourth all-time leader in points and his jersey number eight became the first to ever be retired by the Bears.
1973: Frank Mathers ends his coaching run and Chuck Hamilton becomes the coach
At the close of the 1972–73 season, Frank Mathers ended his 17-year run as coach to focus on his duties as GM. Chuck Hamilton succeeded him as coach and in his first season, 1973, he led the Bears to a fifth Calder Cup title.
1973: Frank Mathers coaches the club.
Frank Mathers returned to that post on an interim basis for the first time since 1973.
1976: Rhode Island Reds franchise sold and moved
After the 1976-77 campaign, the Rhode Island Reds franchise was sold and moved to New York state as the Binghamton Dusters.
1977: Hershey becomes only original AHL team in same city since merger
In 1977, Hershey became the only original AHL hockey club to have continuously iced a team in the same city since the league's inaugural season as a fully merged league.
October 14, 1978: Coco Debuted on October 14, 1978
On October 14, 1978, Coco, the brown bear mascot of the Hershey Bears, debuted at the Hersheypark Arena.
1979: Gary Green leaves the Bears early in the season
As had Gary Green in 1979, Murray left the Bears early in the 1981–82 season to become coach of the Washington Capitals
1979: Hershey Bears win sixth Calder Cup
In 1979-80, the Hershey Bears won their sixth Calder Cup under player/coach Doug Gibson.
1980: Tim Tookey joins the Hershey Bears
In 1980, 20-year-old center Tim Tookey joined the Hershey Bears as a rookie.
February 7, 1981: Mark Lofthouse sets team single-game record
On February 7, 1981, Mark Lofthouse set a Hershey Bears team single-game record with eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) in an 11-2 victory over the Rochester Americans.
1981: Bryan Murray leaves and Gary Inness becomes coach
In the 1981-82 season, Bryan Murray left the Bears early to coach the Washington Capitals and was replaced by Gary Inness.
1984: Frank Mathers briefly returns as coach
In 1984-85, Frank Mathers briefly returned to the bench as coach, adding to his coaching record.
1984: Gary Inness leaves and Frank Mathers returns as interim coach
In December 1984, Gary Inness left the Hershey Bears and Frank Mathers returned as interim coach.
1984: Hershey Bears begin affiliation with Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins
The 1984-85 season marked the first of a 12-year affiliation with the Philadelphia Flyers, who shared the club with the Boston Bruins that year.
1985: John Paddock takes over as coach
Former Flyer right wing and AHL Hall of Fame coach John Paddock took over as coach for the Hershey Bears in 1985.
1985: Hershey Bears achieve first place in the regular season
In his first year as coach in 1985, John Paddock led the Hershey Bears to first place overall in the regular season with a 48-29-3 record.
1985: Tim Tookey returns to the Hershey Bears
Tim Tookey returned for another stint with the Hershey Bears in 1985.
1986: Bears' top line finishes high in league scoring
In 1986-87, the Hershey Bears' top line of Tookey, Fitzpatrick, and Allison finished first, fifth, and seventh in league scoring, respectively.
1987: Frank S. Mathers receives Lester Patrick Award
In 1987, Frank S. Mathers was honored with the Lester Patrick Award for his "contributions to hockey in the United States".
1987: Hershey Bears win Calder Cup championship
In 1987-88, the Hershey Bears won their seventh Calder Cup championship under the guidance of coach John Paddock.
1987: Hershey Bears reach half century mark
With the start of the 1987-88 season, the Hershey Bears became the first professional hockey club outside of the NHL to reach the half century mark.
May 12, 1988: Hershey Bears complete sweep to win Calder Cup
On May 12, 1988, the Hershey Bears completed an unprecedented 12-0 sweep to win the Calder Cup by defeating the Fredericton Express, 4-2.
1989: Tim Tookey returns to the Hershey Bears again
Tim Tookey started another stint with the Hershey Bears in 1989.
1990: Previous record for AHL series wins
Hershey has set an AHL mark for consecutive playoff series victories, with eight wins in a row. Besting the record shared with the 2005–2007 Bears and the 1990–1992 Springfield Indians.
1992: Previous record for AHL series wins
Hershey has set an AHL mark for consecutive playoff series victories, with eight wins in a row. Besting the record shared with the 2005–2007 Bears and the 1990–1992 Springfield Indians.
1992: Frank S. Mathers elected to Hockey Hall of Fame
In 1992, Frank S. Mathers was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame based on his career in the AHL.
1992: Don Biggs sets record for points with Binghamton Rangers
Tookey's 124 points that year is still the sixth-best single-season total for an individual player in AHL history, just fourteen points less than the current league record of 138 set by former Bear Don Biggs with the Binghamton Rangers in 1992–93.
1995: Affiliation with the Philadelphia Flyers ends
The Hershey Bears affiliation with the Philadelphia Flyers ended in 1995-96.
2001: Began Hosting Annual Teddy Bear Toss Event
In 2001, the Hershey Bears began hosting an annual charity event called the Teddy Bear Toss around Christmas time.
2002: Moved to the Giant Center in 2002 and unveiled a new identity
In 2002, The Hershey Bears moved to the Giant Center and unveiled a new identity with team colors being burgundy, black, gold, and silver.
2002: Bears transition Hersheypark Arena to practice facility
In 2002, the Bears transitioned Hersheypark Arena to their practice arena only, after using it as their home from 1936 to 2002.
2002: Home games moved to Giant Center
In 2002, the Hershey Bears moved their home games to the Giant Center, after having played at Hersheypark Arena from 1938 to 2002. Since 2002, the Bears have used Hersheypark Arena as their practice arena only.
2005: Previous record for AHL series wins
Hershey has set an AHL mark for consecutive playoff series victories, with eight wins in a row. Besting the record shared with the 2005–2007 Bears and the 1990–1992 Springfield Indians.
2005: Bears become primary development club for Washington Capitals
In 2005, the Hershey Bears became the primary development club for the NHL's Washington Capitals, beginning with the 2005-06 season.
2005: Washington Capitals return as parent club
In 2005, the Washington Capitals returned as the Hershey Bears' NHL parent club after a 21-year span with other teams.
June 15, 2006: Hershey Bears win Calder Cup
On June 15, 2006, the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Milwaukee Admirals with a series score of 4-2.
December 20, 2006: Bears play 5,000th regular-season game
On December 20, 2006, the Hershey Bears played their 5,000th regular-season game at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, winning 7-4 against the Albany River Rats.
May 2, 2007: Bears play 500th Calder Cup playoff game
On May 2, 2007, the Hershey Bears played their 500th Calder Cup playoff game in franchise history at the GIANT Center, winning 4-3 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
2007: Previous record for AHL series wins
Hershey has set an AHL mark for consecutive playoff series victories, with eight wins in a row. Besting the record shared with the 2005–2007 Bears and the 1990–1992 Springfield Indians.
2007: Unveiled new Reebok Edge uniforms in 2007-08 season
In the 2007–08 season, the Hershey Bears unveiled newly designed Reebok Edge uniforms. They also unveiled an updated version of the "old school" jerseys.
2008: Bears win the Calder Cup
In 2008-2010, the Bears went back-to-back to win their 10th and 11th Calder Cups
2008: Hershey Bears set club record with 11 straight wins
In the 2008-09 season the Hershey Bears set a new club record with 11 straight wins
November 29, 2009: Hershey Bears home winning streak begins
On November 29, 2009, the Hershey Bears began a consecutive home victories at 24. GIANT Center went without a loss.
2009: Bears play in 22 Finals series
As of the 2009-2010 Calder Cup Finals, the Bears have played in 22 Finals series, a league record.
2009: Hershey Bears win a franchise-record 12 consecutive games.
In the 2009-10 season, the Hershey Bears won a franchise-record 12 consecutive games and notched a 24-game win streak at the Giant Center.
March 19, 2010: Hershey Bears home winning streak ends
On March 19, 2010, the Hershey Bears went without a loss at GIANT Center from November 29, 2009, ending the AHL record for consecutive home victories at 24.
2010: Bears win the Calder Cup
In 2008-2010, the Bears went back-to-back to win their 10th and 11th Calder Cups
2011: Made the 2011 playoffs
In 2011, the Hershey Bears made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round.
2012: Overhauled their uniforms before the 2012-13 season
Hershey overhauled their uniforms before the 2012-13 season, introducing a home uniform with a white jersey and an away jersey in chocolate brown.
2012: Made the 2012 playoffs
In 2012, the Hershey Bears made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round.
2012: Established the Hershey Bears Hockey Club Hall of Fame in 2012
Since 2012, the Hershey Bears have recognized individuals for contributions to hockey in Hershey and established the Hershey Bears Hockey Club Hall of Fame at the Giant Center.
2012: Current uniforms are similar to those of the 2012-13 jerseys
The Bears current uniforms are similar to those of the 2012-13 jerseys with the Capitals eagle logo, larger stripes, and tan shoulders.
2013: AHL Outdoor Classic hosted at Hersheypark Stadium in 2013
In 2013, Hersheypark Stadium hosted the fourth annual AHL Outdoor Classic, where the Hershey Bears faced the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with the "Baby Pens" winning 2-1.
2013: Made the 2013 playoffs
In 2013, the Hershey Bears made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round.
2014: Failed to make the 2014 playoffs
In 2014, the Hershey Bears failed to make the playoffs.
2015: Advanced to the second round of the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs
In 2015, the Hershey Bears advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs but were eliminated by the Hartford Wolf Pack.
2016: Qualified for the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs
In 2016, the Hershey Bears qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs, defeated the Portland Pirates, won the Emile Francis Trophy, defeated the Toronto Marlies to win the Richard F. Canning Trophy, and were swept by the Lake Erie Monsters in the Calder Cup finals. Chris Bourque won the Les Cunningham Award, the John B. Sollenberger Trophy, and was named to the First All-Star Team.
2017: Failed to qualify for the 2017-18 playoffs
The Hershey Bears failed to qualify for the 2017-18 playoffs.
January 20, 2018: Held the AHL Outdoor Classic on January 20, 2018
On January 20, 2018, Hershey held the AHL Outdoor Classic, facing the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Phantoms defeated the Bears 5-2.
2018: Broke the World Record for the Teddy Bear toss
Since 2018, the Hershey Bears have consecutively broken the World Record for the Teddy Bear toss.
2019: Made the 2019 playoffs
In 2019, the Hershey Bears made the playoffs but were eliminated by the Charlotte Checkers in the second round.
2020: No playoffs held in 2020-21 season
Due to pandemic-related rules, no playoffs were held in the 2020–21 season, and the Hershey Bears won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy.
2022: Qualified for the 2022 Calder Cup playoffs
In 2022, the Hershey Bears qualified for the Calder Cup playoffs, but lost to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
2023: Won the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs
In 2023, the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup playoffs, beating the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 7 games.
2024: Won Calder Cup
In 2024, the Hershey Bears won their most recent Calder Cup, bringing their total to 13, more than any other AHL team.
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