Milton Hershey School Elementary Students Learn Calder Cup Lessons from the Hershey Bears

Members of the Hershey Bears hockey team brought a very special trophy to Milton Hershey School’s Memorial Hall recently to share how they raised the bar to win back-to-back Calder Cup Championships. 

The third and fourth grade students learned that teamwork, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome obstacles were important factors in the Bears winning the American Hockey League Championship in 2023 and 2024.

Pierrick Dubé plays right wing for the Bears. The native of France joined an English-speaking team for the first time in 2023 when he was assigned to the Bears. 

“We all face adversity,” Dubé told the students. “In order to succeed, you must identify and overcome that adversity.” 

Four of the hockey players who visited the school grew up around the sport. Jake Massie, defenseman, did not. However, he did not let that prevent him from chasing his dream.  

Riley Sutter is a center on the team and is an alternate captain. Sutter told the Elementary Division students that all Hershey Bears players are encouraged to be leaders, regardless of their title. He reminded the students that the Hershey Bears organization is a minor league team of the Washington Capitals. Sutter and his teammates achieved one goal by winning the Calder Cup, and many are now focused on earning a spot on the National Hockey League team. 

“Our goal is to get to the next level,” Sutter said. “Everywhere you go in life, you want to win.” 

Alex Limoges, left wing, emphasized the importance of education. Limoges earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and is working towards his master’s degree. 

Limoges reflected on the MHS 2024 theme, Raise the Bar, by telling students that he has pursued excellence since beginning his hockey career. Hockey is a team sport, Limoges told the students, so success is only possible if everyone sets high expectations and works toward a common goal. 

“I raised my bar personally to help the team win the Calder Cup,” Limoges said. “It took everybody on the team to bring the championship back home.” 

The Bears visit MHS several times throughout the hockey season, and students often cheer on the team at GIANT Center. Hershey community partners, such as Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, directly support the MHS mission in several ways, including job opportunities, internships and co-ops, and mentorship.