Hershey Bears Bring Calder Cup Joy to Young Patients

The Hershey Bears, fresh off their back-to-back Calder Cup championships, have once again brought their coveted trophy to the Penn State Children's Hospital, spreading joy and inspiration to the young patients who are among their biggest fans. This annual visit is a testament to the team's commitment to strengthening the bond between themselves and the community they represent, a gesture that resonates deeply with the children and their families.

Uplifting Spirits and Creating Lasting Memories

Sharing the Calder Cup Moment

The Hershey Bears' visit to the Penn State Children's Hospital was a chance for the young patients to share in the team's championship glory. As the players brought out the Calder Cup, the children's faces lit up with excitement and awe. "Just seeing the smiles every time we bring out the trophy or meet the Bears, they're smiling from ear to ear," said Hershey Bears defenseman Chase Priskie. "We always look forward to it. We get so much support from the community, and the least we can do is come back, try to brighten up some days and just spend some time with all the kids here."For the children, the opportunity to touch, hold, and take photos with the prestigious trophy was a moment they will cherish forever. "They feel like it might be a little small, but really it's not. It is a big impact," said Pam Baranowski, a child life assistant at the hospital. "Them coming out and doing these types of community events, bringing the kids out of their rooms, getting their spirits lifted, it's such a big impact that the Hershey Bears have always done and have brought here at the children's hospital."

Fostering a Sense of Community

The Hershey Bears' annual visit to the children's hospital is more than just a gesture; it's a reflection of the team's deep-rooted connection to the community they represent. "Anything we can do to be more intertwined with the city of Hershey is fantastic," said Priskie. "I like to think it's one big family, and it definitely feels great."This sense of community is palpable in the interactions between the players and the young patients. The children, who are just as passionate about winning as the players, are able to share in the team's success and feel a sense of belonging. "They bring in that history here for all of our kids, and they all get to be a part of that by either touching the cup, holding the cup, or even just getting photos and getting to have that conversation [with the players]," said Baranowski. "So I think it's really neat to see."

A Lasting Impact

The Hershey Bears' visit to the Penn State Children's Hospital is more than just a one-time event; it's a tradition that has a lasting impact on the children and their families. The team's commitment to giving back to the community they represent is a testament to their values and the importance they place on their role as community leaders.For the young patients, the visit from the Hershey Bears is a much-needed respite from the challenges they face. "Them coming out and doing these type of community events, bringing the kids out of their rooms, getting their spirits lifted, it's such a big impact that the Hershey Bears have always done and have brought here at the children's hospital," said Baranowski.The Hershey Bears' dedication to their community is a shining example of the power of sports to inspire and uplift. By sharing their championship glory with the young patients at the Penn State Children's Hospital, the team is not only creating lasting memories but also fostering a sense of hope and resilience that will stay with the children long after the visit has ended.