Established in 1951, the Jr Bears have spent more than seven decades providing young athletes with the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through the game of hockey. As the organization enters the 2026–27 season, that tradition continues with 10 travel teams and more than 150 players representing Hershey across multiple age levels.

This year, however, the Jr Bears are doing more than simply continuing their tradition.

They are raising the bar.

Ready for the Next Challenge

One of the most exciting developments entering the new season is that a majority of Hershey’s teams will compete at a higher level than they did a year ago.

That step forward represents both the growth of the players within the organization and the Jr Bears’ continued commitment to challenging athletes with meaningful competition.

For Hershey, development has always been about more than simply winning games. It is about giving players opportunities to improve, compete against strong opponents, and continue progressing throughout their youth hockey careers.

The organization will field teams from 8U through 19U, including a 19U A Women’s team, providing opportunities for both boys and girls throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Continuity Behind the Bench

Another major strength for Hershey entering 2026–27 is continuity.

Every coach from last season returns to the organization.

That stability gives players and families consistency while allowing the Jr Bears to continue building upon the progress made during the 2025–26 campaign.

Returning coaches bring familiarity with their players, an understanding of the organization’s expectations, and a shared commitment to development both on and off the ice.

That continuity could prove especially valuable as many Hershey teams take on stronger competition this season.

Building on a Successful Season

The Jr Bears have plenty of momentum to carry into 2026–27.

Last season, the organization celebrated several significant accomplishments, highlighted by the 12U A National team’s AAHA District Championship.

Hershey also reached the EJEPL Silver Championship game at 14U, while the 12U A National team advanced to the Silver Stick final.

Across the organization, five Hershey teams qualified for the DVHL playoffs, demonstrating both the competitive depth and continued development taking place throughout the club.

Those results give the Jr Bears a strong foundation as they prepare to take another step forward this season.

A Mission Bigger Than Hockey

While competition remains an important part of the Hershey Jr Bears experience, the organization’s mission extends beyond the scoreboard.

The Jr Bears are committed to promoting, encouraging, and governing hockey for boys and girls throughout Central Pennsylvania while teaching players, coaches, and parents the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect.

Those principles have helped shape the organization for generations.

The goal is not simply to develop better hockey players, but to create an environment where young athletes learn lessons they can carry with them long after their playing days are over.

Respect for teammates.
Respect for opponents.
Respect for coaches and officials.
And most importantly, respect for the game.

A Tradition That Continues

The Hershey Jr Bears have been part of the Central Pennsylvania hockey landscape for 75 years, and every new season adds another chapter to that history.

Under the leadership of Chairman Doug Yingst and Club President Mike Schmelz, the organization enters 2026–27 with experienced coaches, competitive teams, and a renewed opportunity to challenge its players at higher levels.

The expectations are high, but so is the excitement.

With more than 150 players wearing the Jr Bears crest this season, Hershey will once again look to combine its proud history with the continued development of the next generation of hockey players.

The tradition is well established.

Now the 2026–27 Hershey Jr Bears get their opportunity to add to it.

Hershey Jr Bears at a Glance
Home Rink: Hersheypark Arena
Chairman: Doug Yingst
Club President: Mike Schmelz
Teams: 10
Players: 150+
Established: 1951

Teams

8U
10U A National
12U A American, A National
14U A National, AA
16U A American, A National
18U A National
19U A Women

2025–26 Highlights

12U A National AAHA District Champions
14U EJEPL Silver Runner-Up
12U A National Silver Stick Finalist
Five DVHL playoff teams

What to Watch in 2026–27

With most Hershey teams moving into stronger competitive classifications and the entire coaching staff returning, the Jr Bears enter the season with continuity, experience, and an opportunity to build on an already successful foundation.