Breaking the Ice: The Hershey Bears and MHS Students Connect Beyond the Rink
Frigid temperatures were in the forecast for Wednesday, Jan. 21, but that didn’t stop the Hershey Bears from taking their practice to Milton Hershey School and lacing up at its outdoor ice-skating rink. As they hit the ice, they kicked off a session that would lead to meaningful conversations with MHS ice hockey students and a richer appreciation for the school’s mission.
After wrapping up their on-ice drills, the Hershey Bears traded the bitter cold for the warmth of Founders Hall, where they enjoyed lunch with MHS Middle and Senior Division students who play ice hockey. Here, students asked about the players’ athletic journeys, what fuels their passion for the game, and how to strengthen their own skills with advice straight from the pros. Meeting Hershey Bears goalie Clay Stevenson was the highlight of the afternoon for MHS junior goalie Alexander Mason, who gained firsthand insight into what the position requires at the professional level.
“Goalies strive for perfection every night,” Stevenson said. “And while that is a heavy burden to carry, it is very rewarding.”
MHS senior defenseman Timothy Geynovich, who speaks Russian fluently, was able to connect personally with several of the Russian-speaking players. Their conversations went beyond the game, unfolding naturally in their shared language. Ice hockey brought them together, but Russian gave them the chance to share stories, backgrounds, and a sense of familiarity.
“Because of their journey, they can give me advice to achieve the same heights that they did,” Geynovich said. “It’s so exciting that we get to meet them and be part of a bigger group with the Hershey Bears.”
The sight of Hershey Bears jerseys mixed amongst MHS brown and gold created a powerful visual—one that reflected their shared legacy and the unique connection between the two teams. For MHS students, moments like this impact how they envision their paths forward and how they will apply the wisdom they gained here. These occasions deepen the long-standing partnerhsip between our campus and the broader Hershey community that continues to champion our students.
“When the Hershey Bears engage in various ways across campus, those opportunities continue to build upon the strong relationship we have with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for our students,” MHS Middle School Athletic Director and Dean of Students Christopher Spinogatti said.
Amid the intensity of their season, the Hershey Bears’ annual visit to MHS becomes a treasured experience that students carry with them long after the day ends. The game of ice hockey is thrilling and complex, yet the most memorable moments often unfold off the ice—when professional athletes speak openly about character, perseverance, and the values at the heart of Our Pledge. Just as powerful, though, is the chance for our students to share their own MHS stories with the players. For some of the Hershey Bears’ newer athletes, this visit offers their first real look into what MHS is and hearing directly from students about how MHS has influenced their lives provides a perspective that deeply resonates.
“We are also learning from them,” Hershey Bears forward Andrew Cristall said. “These are some super impressive kids. It’s been a lot of fun, and hopefully we can be good role models for them.”
It becomes a remarkable exchange—one where players offer insight from the professional ranks, and students, in turn, show what it means to grow, learn, and thrive within the legacy Milton Hershey created. Moments like these inspire our students, remind them of their potential, and affirm that they are surrounded by a community—both at school and beyond—that genuinely believes in their success.