Comedian Shane Gillis recently discussed his Hershey Bears fandom on a May 8 podcast episode of his show, “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast,” with Matt McCusker. Gillis is a Central PA native, and a graduate of nearby Trinity High School, but many were unaware that the former SNL cast member, and popular standup comedian, is a Bears fanatic.

Gillis has made quite the burst onto the sports scene, being a guest picker on ESPN’s College Gameday for Notre Dame’s home, Friday night College Football Playoff game against Indiana. He made waves during that appearance for his back and forth banter with legendary college football coach Nick Saban. Gillis is also a noted Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, being from Pennsylvania.

In the podcast episode, Gillis recalled a standup show he was performing in Albany, NY, and his mention of the Albany River Rats, and the need to bring them back, sending the Albany crowd into a roar of commotion in support of having the once AHL team back in town.

The surprise from Gillis’ co-host, Matt McCusker, sent the conversation into Hershey Bears talk. 

“It’s a storied program. Hershey, PA. Come on, now,” said Gillis, towards the end of Episode 558 of the podcast, which has 689 thousand subscribers on YouTube.

Even if Gillis wasn’t a big Bears fan, he certainly knows GIANT Center. Gillis performed a standup comedy routine in Hershey on May 20, 2023, alongside Tim Dillon, Nick Mullen and Big Jay Oakerson.

VIEW THE PODCAST EPISODE:

Surely, he’ll buy in as the Bears are moving on in pursuit of their 14th Calder Cup.