AHL’s Hershey Bears Sport Special Jerseys to Promote Autism Awareness

The American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears quite literally wore their commitment to raising awareness about autism on their sleeves over the weekend.

The two-time defending Calder Cup champions donned special Autism Awareness jerseys on Sunday, April 6, when they hosted the Hartford Wolf Pack. The sweaters were inspired by designs from Senior Division art students at Milton Hershey School, in collaboration with Vista Autism Services and the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area.

“When we unveiled the Autism Awareness jerseys, the response on social media was overwhelming, and we were so thrilled to bring it back,” Kathleen McGraw, managing director of corporate engagement for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, told Fox 43. “It’s been a couple of years since we featured autism, so [it was great to hear] people’s thankfulness of bringing light to autism awareness. It’s as satisfying for us to do things on the ice [as off of it]. To see how the community reacts to us off the ice and vice versa is rewarding across the board.”

The jerseys were mostly a dark shade of teal with a light blue collar, white shoulders, and the Bears’ primary logo on the chest. The sleeves and waist featured interlocking light blue, white, yellow and orange stripes that symbolized connectivity and inclusivity.

Courtesy Hershey Bears / Facebook and @thehersheybears / Instagram

Each shoulder featured a light blue butterfly with a dark teal outline. According to The Place for Children with Autism, a not-for-profit based in Illinois, the butterfly is a symbol for autism “as it inspires thoughts of change and symbolizes the beauty of diversity and continued development.”

Numbers on the sleeves and back were white with orange outlines. Names on the back appeared in orange on a contrasting white nameplate. The socks were teal and featured the same striping pattern as the jerseys, and both were paired with the Bears’ usual chocolate brown helmets, gloves, and pants.

“[From] the importance of the butterfly, the colors and the [representation] of inclusion, all of us learned quite a bit. The students enjoyed the whole process of doing research [about autism] and coming up with what our players will have on the ice.”
— Kathleen McGraw, managing director of corporate engagement, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts

Replica jerseys were available for fans to buy at the Giant Center in Hershey on Sunday. Game-worn jerseys will also be available in an upcoming online auction.