The Hershey Bears held their Hometown Heroes Night at Giant Center on Sunday. To highlight the armed forces, the Bears held a memorable ceremonial puck drop at center ice.
Instead of having a human drop the puck, a bomb disposal robot from the 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company did the duties using its mechanical arm. From a few feet away, an officer from the group wearing a blast suit made the moment happen using a remote control in his hand.
Hershey Bears’ captain Aaron Ness and Springfield Thunderbirds’ captain Matthew Peca participated in the draw.
The EOD Company is based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Per the US Army:
The 55th EOD Company covers explosive response missions in most of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, half of Pennsylvania, part of Washington D.C., and part of West Virginia.
EOD companies support the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Department of State during Very Important Person Protection Support Activity missions to provide protection to the president, first lady, vice president and visiting foreign heads of state.
The Bears also unfurled a large American flag on the ice during the national anthem and had members of the local community and military hold it up for a powerful moment.
During the game, the Bears wore special camo-themed jerseys. They’ll wear those same sweaters again on Saturday, February 8, for another Hometown Heroes night and then auction them off after that contest to raise money for charity.
According to a press release, the Bears will donate a portion of the funds raised from the auction to several area nonprofit organizations.
“It was an honor to celebrate those who have served our country, past and present, at our Hometown Heroes Night last night,” the Bears posted on X for Veterans Day. “We thank you for your service!”
It was an honor to celebrate those who have served our country, past and present, at our Hometown Heroes Night last night. We thank you for your service!@United_HL | @USArmy pic.twitter.com/3D05qlYwHl
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) November 11, 2024
Thanks to an overtime game-winning goal by Mike Vecchione, Bears fans went happy on Sunday as the defending, back-to-back champions swept both of their weekend games against the Thunderbirds.
