It’s so challenging trying to choose just one from either today’s Bears or from the scores of players who have worn the chocolate and while over the years…but I think I have an answer. My favorite Hershey Bears player on our team this year is Mike Vecchione and my favorite all-time Bear is Garrett Mitchell. The reason for both is the same and, believe it or not, doesn’t have as much to do with what they do (or did) on the ice. Vecchione and Garrett are two perfect examples of being more than just a hockey player. I’ve found the two to be kind, positive, encouraging, and down to earth. If you want to learn about someone, watch how they treat people they don’t necessarily have to be kind to. You would be hard pressed to chat with them and not come away feeling good. Now, they are far from the only two guys who are like that who’ve laced up skates at the Old Barn or Giant Center. We have been so lucky to have been home to so many good men on their hockey journey. Finally, only disqualifying him from consideration because he’s my boss, Bryan Helmer truly is one of the most amazing people I’ve encountered with this organization. There’s been more than a time or two that he could tell some chirping that gets sent my way. Helms has always been among the first to notice, to encourage me, and to remind me how much he appreciates what I do…and, yes, even the way I do it. When someone like Helms believes in you, you can quickly shake off the negative vibes.

3.  What do you like most about your job with the Bears?
I love that you asked this question. Some people might think I love being part of the entertainment or leading the roars. Honestly, I love walking around the concourse saying hi to our fans and thanking them for coming. I love being able to meet the people who make us the very best fan base in all of hockey. From the tiny kiddos to our decades long season ticket holders and everyone in between, it still blows my mind how broad our reach is. During the Calder Cup finals last year, my parents were in OCMD and ran into someone fishing wearing Bears gear. The Datorre family made my parents feel so very special that day.

4.  Do you have any advice for young people like me who want to get into broadcasting or sports announcing? 
The broadcasting industry is changing and evolving so quickly that for me, it looks so different than it did 20 years ago. The best advice I can give is three-fold: 1. Make mistakes…lots of mistakes…and don’t be afraid to make them in-front of a crowd. You will learn the right way to do things and that can often mean doing all the wrong things first. Also, you can get over stage fright quickly when you realize that something didn’t go to plan and everything is still ok. 2. I love the Wayne Gretzky quote: “Skate to where the puck is going, not to where it’s been.” Don’t be afraid to take a guess at what might come next for the industry and start getting ready for that, instead of trying to be like the people doing it now. 3. Trust yourself to make the right decision. Just because someone has an opinion doesn’t make them right. If you believe in what you’re doing, don’t let others change your mind.

Thanks Bob for always making the games fun.  Let’s Go Bears on 3!  One – Two – Three