Hockey broadcasting legend “Doc” Emrick called Hershey the “33rd NHL City”, and that’s because of a rich tradition of hockey, all the way from top-notch organization management, players, fans and beyond.

Now, Hershey’s GIANT Center will play host to an NHL event for the first time since 2006.

On September 25, the Washington Capitals will face Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey’s fourth ever preseason game. Most recently, the New Jersey Devils beat the Capitals on September 24, 2006. On September 25, 2005, the Capitals and Penguins met in Hershey in what can now be considered a benchmark in modern hockey history. That’s because it was the first meeting between Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby before both of their rookie seasons. In 2003, while the Bears were affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, the Flyers and Islanders faced off in Hershey.

The event will showcase what has been a great relationship between Washington and Hershey. Hershey is the most decorated franchise in AHL history and has delivered terrific development of many top Capitals players, including Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas and Ethen Frank as of late.

The most recent Calder Cup in 2024 was the Bears’ fifth under Capitals affiliation. A total of 17 players who were on Hershey’s Calder Cup winning roster last season have also played with the Capitals. Since their union in Chocolatetown, Hershey is 846-455-79-95, 1,866 points, .633%. The affiliation between Hershey and Washington was extended in January 2024 through the 2029-30 season.

September 25’s game will be at 7 p.m. puck drop. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, July 18 via HersheyEntertainment.com and Ticketmaster.com.