Hershey Jr. Bears 2023 – 2024 Travel Season

With the ever-changing landscape of youth hockey in central PA, we want to take a moment to offer information and give direction for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.  The Jr. Bears welcome our returning families as well as any new first-time families to the Hershey Jr. Bears Organization.  

As a general overview, our Travel Hockey Program is registered with USA Hockey and the Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL) as well as the Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League (EJEPL).  EJEPL games are used to supplement our DVHL league schedule in addition to any tournaments your team decides to compete in.  

It is the organization’s plan to have teams at all levels for the 2023-2024 season.  Ideally, we would like to field multiple teams at all levels as possible in order to properly place players based on skill level, experience, and optimal development paths.  Hershey will compete at the Tier II level AA-B and plans to include a 6u beginner travel team at the mite level.

• Mite (5-8 years old)

• Squirt (9-10 years old)

• PeeWee (11-12 years old)

• Bantam (13-14 years old)

• Midget (15-18 years old)

Pricing:  For the upcoming 2023-24 season the travel hockey program anticipates prices to remain similar to the 2022-23 season.  This pricing model is one of the least expensive in the entire area. Feel free to browse the 2022-23 guide here.

Evaluations: Travel evaluations will take place at the end of March for Mite - PeeWee and mid-April for Bantam – Midget. Specific dates and pricing will be available shortly.  All players must be registered with USA hockey.   

Rinks: Practices and games will be held at some of the most amazing arenas in youth hockey.  They will be held in the historic Hersheypark Arena and Giant Center, home of the Hershey Bears.     

What’s included in the price: The total price will include approximately 25 weeks of practices, 3 projected tournaments, game uniforms (jersey, socks, shells), practice jersey, discounts on power skating or goaltender training.  For mites, there is anticipated 30-35 games.  For all other levels A & B there is estimated 40-45 games.  For AA levels, there is anticipated 45-50 games.  

Power Skating, Hockey Skills & Goaltending Sessions: The Jr Bears are looking to partner with Euro Star hockey development for power skating, hockey skills and goaltender training sessions. Some sessions will require an additional cost but will be discounted for HJB members. Full schedule for this is undetermined at this time but there is a hope for at least twice a month sessions to help supplement your players skating, skills and goaltending abilities.  www.Eurostarhockey.org   

Travel Coaches: All coaches in the Jr Bears travel organization will be USA Hockey certified, certifications that are reimbursed to the coaches. The coaches for each level for the 2023-24 season are not determined at this time but it is the mission of the Jr Bears to provide non-parent coaches at each age group. (PeeWee-Midget) This would come at an additional cost to teams with this benefit.   

Advantages of HJBs over other programs: 

1. Longest Hockey Tradition and program in the area

2. Playing at two amazing arenas: Historic HersheyPark Arena and Giant Center

3. The Travel program offers elevated competition without the need for endless travel and endless amounts of games. Playing in the DVHL and EJEPL hockey leagues, HJB travel teams enjoy a comfortable and competitive 30-50 game season depending on the level with travel rarely exceeding 2 hours.  Why is this important? It allows our players to be well rounded individuals and pursue other interests even during the hockey season.  Whether they want to also compete with their middle or high school teams, or participate in music or social events, our travel program provides skill development and social balance. Especially our older age groups, allowing them to have a balance and will not burn them out.

4. We feel our program offers one of the lowest costs in the area.  The Board of Directors feel you will get the most bang for your buck here with the Hershey Jr. Bears.  

Still Have Questions: We know that not everything is spelled out at this time, but we want to build our program around what you are looking for in your youth hockey program.  In an effort to assist with that, we will have two town hall meetings where you can come ask questions and give your suggestions on what you hope to see for the 2023-2024 season. We will be hosting two town hall gatherings, times and dates will be posted on our website. Please continue to check our website, www.hersheyjrbears.org for updated information.