The Hershey Bears have announced their complete 72‑game schedule for the 2026‑27 American Hockey League season, setting the stage for a campaign that begins with a home showdown against the Charlotte Checkers on October 3.
Fans can mark their calendars for the opening night, which is slated for a 6 p.m. tip‑off at the Giant Center, promising an electric atmosphere as the Bears open their season against a familiar Eastern Conference rival.
A packed schedule ahead
Perhaps the most anticipated stretch comes early in the schedule, as the Bears embark on a seven‑game homestand running from October 3 through October 24, a run that will test depth and allow the club to build momentum in front of its home crowd.
Adding to the excitement, the newly relocated Hamilton Hammers will make their first appearance in Hershey on November 11, introducing a fresh storyline for the team and its supporters.
The schedule also features a visit from the Texas Stars, marking the first meeting between the Bears and the Stars since the 2010 Calder Cup final, a nod to a historic rivalry that adds extra spice to the matchup.
January proves to be the busiest month of the season, with 14 games on the slate, including a grueling six‑game road trip that will challenge the Bears’ endurance and depth.
Throughout the year, the Bears will face every Eastern Conference opponent and a single Western Conference team, the Texas Stars, while the schedule also includes just three instances of back‑to‑back‑to‑back games, known as "three‑in‑threes," spread across the calendar.
Ticket details and a full promotional calendar will be released later this summer, and those interested in securing season tickets can find more information at HersheyBears.com.