Fans Throw 81,796 Stuffed Animals on Ice at Hershey’s Teddy Bear Toss Game

(Photos by Rob Raymer)

HERSHEY, Pa — One of the most anticipated events on the Hershey Bears schedule is the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. After the first Hershey goal, fans throw thousands of stuffed animals onto the ice to be donated to local charities. This year, fans threw 81,796 stuffed animals onto the ice, roughly 20,000 short of the record set last year. Since the tradition started in 2001, more than 600,00 stuffed animals have been collected, with about 60 local charities and organizations benefiting.

“I’ve heard of it, I have been part of it with different teams,” first-year Hershey head coach Derek King said. “This takes it to a different level. … I got ht in the head with one, knocked my glasses off. I was like, ‘alright, better take cover.'”

Louie Belpedio, a first-year Bear, scored the goal that sent stuffed animals flying, 2:55 into the game. Belpedio was on the other side of a Teddy Bear Toss goal in 2024 when he played for Leigh Valley.

Sweet. Cuddly. Mayhem.

There’s nothing like the @GiantFoodStores #TeddyBearTossHershey 🧸🤩 pic.twitter.com/qY0ULOnN5T

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) January 4, 2026

“It’s pretty cool,” Belpedio  said in an on-ice interview. “Kind of a lucky shot. To see the Bears flying right away was awesome.” Belpedio added that he got his helmet knocked off in the celebration. During the interview, fans continued tossing bears onto the ice, soaring just over Belpiedo’s head.

It took 40 minutes from the time the goal was scored for the ice to be cleared. During those 40 minutes, players were jumping in piles and posing with teddy bears. 6’6″ Ilya Protas took a picture with Andrew Cristall with the former grabbing the smallest stuffed animal he could find.

“I wouldn’t have expected anything else,” Cristall said. “He’s a mammoth of a human being, it was kind of funny he grabbed the smallest bear and made himself look a little bigger.”

When the game resumed, Rockford tied the game before the end of the first period. The Ice Hogs took a 2-1 lead early in the second.

Then the Bears responded with four straight goals to win, 5-2. With the win, Hershey improves to 17-3-0-2 in Teddy Bear Toss games. Belpedio also had have an assist on Graeme Clarke’s game-winning goal. Clarke also recorded a hat trick, and fans threw hats onto the ice.

When asked if he would rather score a hat trick or score the Teddy Bear Toss goal, Clarke chuckled before saying he will let Belpedio have the goal. “Everyone was pretty happy for him.”

Photos: Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss!

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Eriks Mateiko (13) of the Hershey Bears and Defenseman Andrew Perrott (75) of the Rockford Ice Hogs battle along the boards during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Spencer Smallman (11) of the Hershey Bears pressures Defenseman Andrew Perrott (75) of the Rockford Ice Hogs being the net during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Spencer Smallman (11) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck in the corner during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears takes a shot from the point during the first period of of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Eriks Mateiko (13) of the Hershey Bears sets a screen in front of Goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) of the Rockford Ice Hogs during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Eriks Mateiko (13) of the Hershey Bears tips a shot on net during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck at the point during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck at the point during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears skates hard into the corner during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears battles in the corner during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears takes a shot fro the point during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears takes a shot form the point during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears prepares to shoot the puck during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears prepares to shoot the puck during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears prepares to shoot the puck during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears shoots the puck during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears shoots the puck during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Henrik Rybinski (12) of the Hershey Bears skates into the offensive zone during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Henrik Rybinski (12) of the Hershey Bears skates into the offensive zone during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Bogdan Trineyev (44) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck in the corner during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (10) of the Hershey Bears attempts a shot on Goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) of the Rockford Ice Hogs from in close during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (10) of the Hershey Bears battles for a loose puck in front of Goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) of the Rockford Ice Hogs during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (10) of the Hershey Bears battles for a loose puck in front of Goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) of the Rockford Ice Hogs during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears takes a face off during the first period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears and Forward Kevin Lombardi (49) of the Rockford Ice Hogs battle for a loose puck during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears and Forward Kevin Lombardi (49) of the Rockford Ice Hogs battle for a loose puck during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears makes a blocker save during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Jon McDonald (47) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck behind his net during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Louie Belpedio (7) of the Hershey Bears attempts to clear the defensive zone during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears pins Left WIng Connor Mylymok (26) of the Rockford Ice Hogs to the boards during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left WIng Connor Mylymok (26) of the Rockford Ice Hogs and Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears battle in the corner during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears skates the puck out of the corner during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears makes a blocker save during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Played from the Hershey Bears and Rockford Ice Hogs battle for a loose puck in front of the net during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Brett Leason (23) of the Hershey Bears skates with the puck during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears comes to a. Quick stop while defending Forward Samuel Savoie (67) of the Rockford Ice Hogs during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Players form both teams battle in front go the net during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears makes a save during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears makes a save during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears makes a save during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears in net during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears and battles a player from the Rockford Ice Hogs during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears and battles a player from the Rockford Ice Hogs during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Aaron Ness (27) of the Hershey Bears and Right Wing Joey Anderson (22) of the Rockford Ice Hogs battle for position in front of Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Aaron Ness (27) of the Hershey Bears and Right Wing Joey Anderson (22) of the Rockford Ice Hogs battle for position in front of Goaltender Clay Stevenson (31) of the Hershey Bears during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears skates up ice during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Aaron Ness (27) of the Hershey Bears makes a pass during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck at the point during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Ilya Protas (40) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Ilya Protas (40) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears shoots the puck from the point during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Bogdan Trineyev (44) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears stickhandler around a Rockford Ice Hogs defenseman during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears battles for the puck during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears skates through 2 Rockford Ice Hogs defenseman while trying to score during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears skates into the offensive zone during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears and Defenseman Andrew Perrott (75) of the Rockford Ice Hogs being the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Brett Leason (23) of the Hershey Bears takes a shot on net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Brett Leason (23) of the Hershey Bears takes a shot on net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears and Left Wing Andrew Cristall (20) of the Hershey Bears work the puck behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Cam Allen (2) of the Hershey Bears skates the puck from behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears prepares to shoot the puck during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (10) of the Hershey Bears drives to the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Ivan Miroshnichenko (10) of the Hershey Bears plays the puck behind the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears shoots the puck during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Ilya Protas (40) of the Hershey Bears looks for a pass while driving to the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears puts the puck past Goaltender Laurent Brossoit (39) of the Rockford Ice Hogs to score a goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Hershey Bears players Ryan Chesley (5) and Iya Protas (40) celebrate a goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Hershey Bears players Ryan Chesley (5) and Iya Protas (40) celebrate a goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Ryan Chesley (5) of the Hershey Bears skates to the bench after scoring a goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Brett Leason (23) of the Hershey Bears prepares to take a shot on net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Brett Leason (23) of the Hershey Bears prepares to take a shot on net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Left Wing Matt Strome (45) of the Hershey Bears skates up ice during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Bogdan Trineyev (44) of the Hershey Bears and Defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin (93) of the Rockford Ice Hogs skate up ice during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) of the Hershey Bears celebrates after scoring an empty net goal during the third period of to get a hat trick in the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Hershey Bears players celebrate an empty net goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Hershey Bears players Brett Leason (23) and Right Wing Graeme Clark (92) celebrate Clark’s empty net hat trick goal during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: The Hershey Bears collected 81,796 stuffed animals during the 2026 Teddy Bear Toss at the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Center Grant Cruikshank (19) of the Hershey Bears skates out of the corner during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)

HERSHEY, PA – January 4th: Defenseman Louie Belpedio (7) of the Hershey Bears drives to the net during the third period of the AHL hockey game between the Rockford Ice Hogs and the Hershey Bears on January 4, 2026 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo: Robert Raymer)