The Hershey Bears made history this spring when they defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds to win their twelfth Calder Cup in franchise history. After raising their championship banner back home to open the season, the Bears will now hit the road to celebrate with their NHL affiliate.
Friday, the Caps will host a pre-game ceremony in honor of the Bears’ victory ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Wild.
According to the Capitals, captain Dylan McIlrath, Aaron Ness, and Mike Vecchione will all participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Other players who graduated to the Capitals this season will presumably be part of the festivities as well, including Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas, Beck Malenstyn, and Lucas Johansen.
The Capitals will give fans the opportunity to take photos with the Calder Cup during a a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 pm. Fans will be able to take a photo with the Calder Cup for an hour from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, with the 5:30-5:45 time frame exclusive to season-ticket members.
The Calder Cup will also make its way to the 100 level concourse during the first period.
The promotion comes after the Capitals’ long sellout streak at Capital One Arena ended after 14 years earlier in the month.
The full press release is below:
Capitals to Honor 2023 Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears with Pre-Game Ceremony October 27 versus Minnesota
Ceremonial puck drop and Calder Cup viewing at District E among festivities
ARLINGTON, VA – The Washington Capitals will hold a pre-game ceremony on Oct. 27 against the Minnesota Wild to honor the 2023 Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears. Hershey Bears players including captain Dylan McIlrath, Aaron Ness and Mike Vecchione will participate in a ceremonial puck drop.
As part of the evening festivities, fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E at Capital One Arena beginning at 5 p.m. The Block Party will feature the opportunity to take a photo with the Calder Cup from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the 5:30-5:45 time frame exclusive to season-ticket members. In addition, live music will feature pop covers by Honeydu. Along with food and drink specials, there will also be appearances by Capitals alumni and giveaways.
In addition, fans are invited to view the Calder Cup on the 100-level concourse during the first period.
The Bears, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Capitals, defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in overtime in Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals to capture the franchise’s AHL-record 12th championship. The Bears won their fourth Calder Cup since becoming the top development affiliate of the Capitals in 2005-06, with Hershey also winning in 2006, 2009 and 2010. The Capitals and Bears were previously affiliated for seven seasons from 1977 to 1984, including Hershey’s 1980 Calder Cup championship.
Headline photo: Katie Fri / Hershey Bears
