Bears Deliver Knockout Punch on Hockey Fights Cancer Night
Hershey Bears Raise Funds for American Cancer Society and Hospice of Central PA on Saturday Night
Hockey Fights Cancer is a league-wide initiative throughout the American Hockey League (AHL). In the month of November, 22 of the AHL's 31 teams dedicate a night towards honoring those who have battled, and those who continue to fight cancer. On Saturday, Nov.16, the Hershey Bears Hockey Club and 10,241 fans at Giant Center threw their collective punch in the fight against cancer.
Before puck drop, the Hershey Bears stood in unison with their opponent, the Charlotte Checkers. Players and staff members on both sides stood together with a lavender sign, spelling out who each individual fights for. Moments later, a ceremonial puck drop was held at center ice to recognize one of the many survivors. Nick Chiavetta, a survivor of Testicular Cancer, was honored for his brave, successful battle by dropping the puck.
The story telling continued into the game. An emotional story shared came from the experiences of Shippensburg University student and field hockey player, Meg Hart. Two years ago, Hart was visited in the hospital by members of the Hershey Bears, as a part of the Hershey Bears Cares initiative. Hart tells the story of this visit providing strength and motivation to eventually return to the field as a competitor.
The Bears defeated the Checkers by a final score of 2-1. After the win, members of the Hershey Bears auctioned off their game-worn, lavender-colored, Hockey Fights Cancer-themed jerseys. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Central PA.