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When the doors opened to Giant Center for the Hershey Bears home opener this evening, fans rejoiced. This meant one thing: Hockey is back for another season in Hershey.
Fans hustled to get to their favorite meal spots and hangouts to catch up with those they haven’t seen since June. These moments were not just between fans, but fans and staff members as well.
Common conversations focused on vacations, families, children, grand children, and of course the expectations of the new season. With new faces on the ice and a new VP of Hockey Operations (Bryan Helmer), there was a lot to talk about.
That is what is amazing about Bears fans. It is not always about hockey. People form bonds and become second families during their time in the Giant Center.
After an 0-2 start with losses to Rochester and Binghamton, fans were ready to see the Bears bounce back with a win. The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2-1) were in town to try and spoil the home opener.
Before the game, fans were treated to a recap video of last season. Interviews with players and head coach Troy Mann highlighted the Bears unforgettable 2015-2016 season.
After staff and player introductions it was game time. From the get go, the Bears played as though they had something to prove. Below are the video of the game.
Some familiar faces were on the box score for the Bears. Paul Carey, Aaron Ness, Nathan Walker and Madison Bowey tallied goals during the Bears 5-2 win. Newcomer Brad Malone would also add to the Bears goal total for the evening. In net, Joe Cannata stopped 24 of 26 shots.
Tonight’s home opener did not disappoint. The Bears got their first win of the season in front of their hometown fans.
New voice of the Bears Zack Fisch had this to say about tonight:
Great win for the Bears and a night I won't forget. Thank you Bears fans…very excited to be here. See you tomorrow! https://t.co/ozqTybEsK3
— Zack Fisch (@zackfisch) October 23, 2016
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins come to town Sunday. This will be the first regular season meeting since the Calder Cup Playoffs last year.
