The Hershey Bears have officially begun their 2025 season with plenty of excitement and high expectations following last year’s Calder Cup championship. Fans packed the Giant Center for the season opener, eager to see if the defending champs could pick up right where they left off.

In a strong 4–2 victory over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Hershey’s offense came alive behind two goals from forward Ethen Frank with quick shots in the top corners of the net. Goalie Hunter Shepard was sharp in net, stopping multiple key shots to keep the Bears in control throughout the game. Shepard has been with the bears for the last 2 years with a save percentage of .914, one of the best in the American Hockey League.

The Bears’ early momentum faced a brief challenge when Hershey hit the road and fell 3–1 to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Despite the loss, the Bears showed their resilience, with solid defensive efforts and strong penalty killing keeping the score close.

The team bounced back quickly in their next matchup, earning a 2–1 overtime win against the Charlotte Checkers. Rookie defenseman Ryan Hofer made some crucial plays keeping the bears in control. Bears Veteran Hendrix Lapierre set up a few plays, and ultimately was one of the key players in defeating the Checkers.

The Bears are starting the season off with new head coach Derek King. “I want to teach these young men to have good habits and to be humble,” said King during the preseason interview. The bears have a current record of 3–3. Their next game will be away at MassMutual Center in Springfield Massachusetts playing the Springfield Thunderbirds.