There’s a lot of ways to remember Mike Vecchione as a Hershey Bear. He played with the team for the past four seasons, which has been a remarkable run for the team. He was a part of the team’s leadership as alternate captain. He was a constant upbeat presence in the locker room. He created the “ROAR” celebration, which is now a mainstay in the Hershey locker room. Of course, his game-winning goal of Game 7 of the 2023 Calder Cup final isn’t a bad way to remember his Hershey legacy, either.

On October 16, 2022, Vecchione did something quite simple. He lifted his leg, two arms and started to yell out his best impression of the roar of a bear. It caught on, and has been the celebration after a goal, and the required locker room celebration for whoever earns the “Bear’s head,” worn by the night’s most valuable player.

When Vecchione was interviewed the day after losing in this past year’s Calder Cup playoffs, he didn’t know that he wouldn’t be with Hershey, and he surely didn’t know Todd Nelson would find an opportunity in the NHL. Regardless, he sung Nelson’s praises on what he brings to the team, on and off the ice:

“A lot of coaches I’ve had sit in their room, cut tape, and are intimidating,” said Vecchione. “You don’t go talk to them or they don’t walk around the locker room as much. But Nelly, on the other hand, he’s always in there just kind of getting a feel for the guys.”

Later in his press conference in May, Vecchione talked about the importance of the 2024 Calder Cup season for him personally.

“When I was in training camp last season in Washington, my cousin passed away, so I really wanted to dedicate that season to her. It meant a lot that we won. But yeah, it was an amazing season, record-setting season. I know she was watching the whole time.” – Mike Vecchione, on importance of 2024 Calder Cup

Vecchione will surely be remembered as a hero in Hershey. It’s kind of hard not to when you score a trophy-winning goal. He’ll also be remembered for caring about the community. He was the guy who’d never hesitate to take a selfie outside a restaurant in town. Perhaps the Playa Bowls location in Hershey, of which he was a sponsor.

“He will always be a Hershey Bear with 2 cups & an amazing fan base. Our family loved coming to Hershey and meeting all the fans especially the kids.” – Diane Langone Vecchione (Momma Bear, Mrs. Vec) on Facebook

He wore the “A”, but I’d bet Dylan McIlrath or Aaron Ness would be first in line to say that #23 made just as much of an impact on the Bears as they did, and they wouldn’t have went on a remarkable, nine-series stretch without him.

Some hockey team is going to be lucky to have Mike Vecchione now, and Hershey won’t forget the impact he’s made.