On November 6, 2024, I had an amazing time at the Hershey Bears Booster Club  Meet the Players Dinner, held at the Londonderry Fire Company in Middletown, PA. My dad and I attended together, and we were lucky enough to sit right next to two awesome players: Chase Priskie and Mike Vecchione!

During dinner, I got to ask Chase what his goal celebration—or “celly”—would be when he scores. He joked that he’d do the “Super Mario” because doing the “Roar” would get him into trouble with Mike, who has it “copyrighted”! Mike laughed and joked that he’d “have to get his lawyers involved” if Chase copied his move. They were both so friendly and had such great senses of humor.

I also learned that Chase was born in Florida and now lives in Connecticut. His wife, who I met last season, is an assistant women’s hockey coach at Quinnipiac University. We talked about his hockey journey and what it’s like to play for the Bears, which made me feel even more connected to the team.

Later, I went to grab some ice cream, and when I came back, Chase asked, “Where’s mine?” So, I went back and got him ice cream with extra rainbow sprinkles (his favorite), but I forgot a spoon! I had to go back and get one, which made us both laugh.

I got to say hello to Miro in Russian (I used the word “privet”), which was so fun. I also got Matt Strome to record a “Happy Birthday” video for my brother, CJ, who’s turning 24, and even asked Logan Day why he wasn’t wearing a hat.

After dinner, I got Chase and Mike to sign my hair bow and took lots of photos with different players. I also got to see my “bestie,” Kyle, one of the equipment managers. He’s the one who gave me a stick at a pre-season game, and it was great catching up with him.

The best part of the night was just hanging out and talking to the players in such a laid-back way. It’s not every day that you get to joke around with your favorite players, learn about their lives, and share some laughs. Nights like these remind me why I love being a Hershey Bears fan so much!

Did I mention that everyone, including Pierrick Dubé, loved my Lappy jersey?  Oh, and yeah I got to hold the Calder Cup again.