Breaking: Hershey Bears Aim for Weekend Win over Cleveland Monsters at GIANT Center
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Hershey Bears Aim for Weekend Win over Cleveland Monsters at GIANT Center
- 2. Event Highlights and Promotions
- 3. How to Watch and Listen
- 4. Last Time out
- 5. Key Player Notes
- 6. On This date in Bears History
- 7. Season Series Snapshot
- 8. What It Means for the Weekend
- 9. Your Take
- 10. 10 % Early‑Bird Discount
Teh hershey Bears return to action at GIANT Center for the first of a two-game set this weekend,hosting the Cleveland Monsters as both clubs push to gain ground in the AHL standings.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 10, 2026, the showdown pits Hershey (16-14-1-0) against Cleveland (16-11-4-1) in a marquee early-season matchup that could influence playoff positioning as the second game of the weekend follows.
Event Highlights and Promotions
fans arriving early can look forward to a trio of promotions: Pepsi Cowboy Hat Night, where the first 6,000 attendees recieve bears-branded hats; Country Night, featuring line-dancing instruction by Heidi Cluck and a performance during the second intermission; and the 1938 Jerseys celebration honoring the Bears’ throwback look as part of the AHL’s 90th anniversary season.
Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster for fans seeking to witness the action live.
How to Watch and Listen
Broadcast coverage includes radio on WFVY-100.1 FM and Fox Sports 1460 AM, with in-arena audio on 88.9 FM. Viewers can watch live via FloHockey’s AHLTV, and listeners can also tune in to Froggy valley 100.1 FM or Fox Sports 1460’s online stream for continuous coverage. Pre-game commentary begins at 6:30 p.m.
Last Time out
Hershey enters the game riding momentum from its Teddy Bear Toss victory against Rockford, a 5-2 win highlighted by Graeme Clarke’s two goals within 54 seconds in the middle frame and Louie Belpedio’s early score. Cleveland, simultaneously occurring, most recently earned a 5-4 shootout win at Toronto after rallying from a deficit, with Hunter McKown delivering the deciding tally in the shootout’s final round.
Key Player Notes
Smallman Shines in recent Action: Spencer smallman has produced five points over his last five games (1 goal, 4 assists) and sits 12 helpers short of reaching 100 in his AHL career. His availability this season has been intermittent due to injuries, but when in the lineup, Hershey has performed above the .500 mark.
Shorthanded Specialists Lead the Charge: Hershey’s penalty-kill unit has been productive at home, contributing to several shorthanded goals this season. Henrik Rybinski added a timely marker recently, underscoring the Bears’ capability to strike on the break.
Monster matchups: In this head-to-head, Bears forward Ilya Protas has led the series with five points through two games, while goaltenders Clay Stevenson and Ivan Fedotov have split recent matchups with strong numbers. stevenson’s record against Cleveland sits at 6-1-0 with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, including two shutouts in those outings.
On This date in Bears History
January 10, 1986 marked a milestone as rookie goaltender Ron Hextall delivered a 35-save performance (18 in the third period) for Hershey’s first professional shutout, a 4-0 victory over the Binghamton Whalers. That season, Hextall earned the AHL’s rookie of the year honors and helped guide Hershey to the Calder Cup Finals, building a legacy that remains part of Bears lore.
Season Series Snapshot
| detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Event | Hershey Bears vs Cleveland Monsters |
| Location | GIANT Center, Hershey, PA |
| Date & Time | January 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m. |
| Current Records | Hershey 16-14-1-0; Cleveland 16-11-4-1 |
| Upcoming Focus | Promotional themes; live coverage; last two meetings momentum |
What It Means for the Weekend
This weekend’s back-to-back games offer Hershey a chance to consolidate momentum against a divisional foe. Success could pave the way for a stronger playoff push, especially with home-ice games on the horizon and a lineup capable of generating offense while staving off pressure on the defensive end.
Your Take
How do you expect Hershey to counter Cleveland’s counterpunching approach? Which promotions are you most excited to experience at GIANT Center this weekend?
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below, and follow along for post-game analysis and highlights as the Bears chase a key weekend sweep.
Note: For official team updates and schedules, check the Bears’ and Monsters’ channels and trusted league partners.
10 % Early‑Bird Discount
.Game Details & Broadcast Facts
- Date & Time: Monday, january 10, 2026 – tip‑off at 7:00 p.m. (ET)
- Venue: GIANT Center, Hershey, PA – capacity 10,500 seats for AHL action
- Teams: Hershey Bears (home) vs. Cleveland Monsters (away) – AHL Eastern Conference matchup
- Live Stream: AHLTV (subscription),NBC Sports Philadelphia (regional TV),and Hershey Bears’ official YouTube channel (high‑lights)
Cowboy Hat Night – Western‑Themed Fan Experience
- Dress Code: Wear your best cowboy hat,bandana,or western apparel for a chance to win a $250 Hershey Bears gift card.
- Special Activities:
- Mechanical bull in the concourse (open 5 p.m.–9 p.m.)
- Line‑dancing exhibition at the main entrance, led by local instructor Tex Riley
- Western photo booth with themed props – instant social‑media share prints available
- Giveaways: First 5,000 fans receive a limited‑edition Hershey Bears “Cowboy” enamel pin.
Country Night – Honoring country Music Roots
- Live Entertainment: Country duo The Hilltop Honkers perform during the first intermission (approx. 7:45 p.m.).
- Music‑Themed Concessions:
- “Cowboy Chili” – Southwest‑style beef chili topped with shredded cheddar and jalapeños
- “country‑Fried Chicken Bites” – Served with honey‑mustard dip
- Interactive Contest: Fans who post a video of themselves singing a country classic with the hashtag #BearsCountryNight enter to win two tickets to the next home game.
1938 Throwback Jerseys – A Slice of Hershey History
- Jersey Reveal: Both the Hershey Bears and Cleveland Monsters will debut 1938‑style replica jerseys for the first period.
- Design Highlights:
- Hershey Bears: Classic brown “B” logo, cream‑colored sleeves, vintage striping
- Cleveland Monsters: Original teal/white “Monsters” script with 1938‑inspired chest patch
- Collector’s offer: Authentic reproduction jerseys (men’s, women’s, and youth sizes) available at the Team Store – pre‑order by Jan 5, 2026 for a 10 % early‑bird discount.
Ticket Options & Seating Guide
| Ticket Type | Price Range (USD) | Seating Area | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $22–$38 | Lower bowl (sections 101‑110) | No‑frills access |
| Premium Seats | $55–$78 | Club level (sections 201‑210) | Access to Club Lounge (food & beverage) |
| Family Pack (4 tickets) | $120 | Upper bowl (sections 301‑312) | Kids‑free snack voucher |
| VIP Experience | $150+ | Suite level (Suite 1A) | Meet‑and‑greet with players, signed jersey raffle |
– Online Purchase: Visit herseybears.com/tickets – select “Cowboy Hat Night” filter for a quick view of available seats.
- Mobile Entry: All tickets QR‑coded for tap‑in at the turnstiles.
Parking, Transportation & Accessibility
- On‑site Parking:
- North lot (A) – $12 per vehicle, closest to the arena entrance
- South Lot (B) – $10 per vehicle, shuttle service every 10 minutes
- Public Transit: Hershey’s Bus Route 5 stops at the GIANT Center 15 minutes before game time.
- Ride‑Share Zones: Designated Uber/Lyft pickup area at the east‑side curb (signage visible from the main road).
- ADA Services: Accessible seating available throughout the lower bowl; companion assistance tickets free of charge.
Food, Beverage & Specialty Promotions
- Local Vendors: Hershey’s famous Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Jacob’s Hill Brewing craft beers, and Valley View Pizza (slice specials).
- Country Night Cocktail: “Honky‑Tonkin’ Mule” – vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of hershey chocolate bitters.
- Happy Hour: 5 p.m.–7 p.m.– 20 % off all appetizers (nachos, wings, mozzarella sticks).
Family‑Friendly Activities & Interactive Zones
- Kids’ Zone: Face‑painting, inflatable bounce house, and a mini‑rink for stick‑handling drills (open 4 p.m.–9 p.m.).
- Photo Ops: “1938 Throwback Wall” – vintage backdrop for family photos with retro props.
- Contests: “Best Cowboy Hat” (on‑ice selfie) – winners announced during the third period and receive a signed 2026 game puck.
Past Context: Why Cowboy Hat Night & 1938 throwbacks Matter
- Cowboy Hat Night debuted in 2015 as part of the Bears’ “Western Heritage” series, celebrating Hershey’s proximity to classic country festivals.
- 1938 marks the year the Hershey Bears entered the American Hockey League, becoming the oldest continuously operating AHL franchise. The throwback jerseys pay homage to that inaugural season, when the team sported the iconic brown “B” and the league featured 20‑team rosters.
Practical Tips for an Unforgettable Game Day
- Arrive Early: Gates open at 5 p.m.; early arrival guarantees prime parking and time for the mechanical bull.
- Bring Cash‑less payment: All concessions accept contactless cards and mobile wallets – speed up line times.
- stay Warm: Even in January, indoor temperatures can dip; a light jacket or themed bear‑ear hat keeps you cozy and eligible for the night‑time photo contest.
- Check the Weather: Even though the GIANT Center is indoor, heavy snowfall can affect travel routes – monitor local traffic alerts on PennDOT 511.
- Engage on Social Media: Tag @HersheyBears and use #CowboyHatNight, #CountryNight, #1938Throwback for real‑time updates and surprise fan giveaways.
Post‑Game Highlights & where to Find Recaps
- Game Summary: Full‑time score, top scorers, and player of the night posted on AHL.com within 30 minutes of the final buzzer.
- highlight Reel: Official 3‑minute recap available on the Hershey Bears’ YouTube channel (upload at 12:00 a.m.ET).
- Fan Reactions: Instagram stories from the arena’s “Fan cam” – tag your favorite moments for a chance to be featured in the next game’s promotional video.
