Mike Vecchione invented the ROAR last season, a standing bear pose celebration where a Hershey goal-scorer lets out an animalistic war cry after lighting the lamp.
Not only did the celebration catch on with Bears players and fans alike, it also was the final act of the team’s 2022-23 season. Vecchione, in what was a storybook ending, scored the championship-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals, ROAR’ing as all his teammates mobbed him on the ice.
Now, a year later, Hershey wants to “Repeat The ROAR” in the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs.
The team unveiled the new mantra on Wednesday ahead of Game 1 of the Atlantic Division semifinals. The team put the motto on signs outside of Giant Center, banners inside the arena, and merchandise at the team store.
See you at our place tonight? #RepeatTheRoar pic.twitter.com/J3o4ldYKu9
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) May 1, 2024
A cardboard cutout of a ROAR’ing Vecchione is set up along the wall of the store.
The Bears are also using the motto in team branded graphics and videos.
The Bears take Game 1!#RepeatTheRoar 🐻 pic.twitter.com/5ZUVxFRF1n
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) May 2, 2024
Up 1-0 in their series against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Bears will take the ice at Giant Center again on Saturday night.
