The Hershey Bears are set to kick off their 2026-27 American Hockey League season with a home opener against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday (October 3) at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The puck is scheduled to drop at 6 p.m., marking the beginning of Hershey's 89th season in the league.
Tickets for the game start at $19, and fans can purchase them online. This season, select Saturday night home games will start an hour earlier than in previous years, with a 6 p.m. puck drop. The Bears' complete 72-game schedule was released earlier this summer, and fans are encouraged to visit the Hershey Bears' official website for more information on single-game tickets and season ticket packages.
Hershey Bears fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup, as the team went 4-3-0-1 against the Checkers during the 2025-26 season. The last time the Bears hosted Charlotte for their home opener was in the 2021-22 season, resulting in a 5-2 victory for Hershey.
In preparation for the new season, the Bears have made several roster moves, including signing goaltender Cal Petersen to an AHL contract. The team also concluded their preseason schedule with a game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where Alex Suzdalev stood out with a three-point performance.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with exciting promotions and themed nights at the GIANT Center. The Hershey Bears are the minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals and have a rich history as a 13-time Calder Cup champion team.
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