HERSHEY -- The Hershey Bears unveiled a new series of logos and uniforms on Wednesday as the club prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Hershey has also given Coco a mascot makeover, as well.
The announcement was made at a formal event for season ticket holders, club seat holders and suite holders by Bears President and general manager Doug Yingst.
“The Hershey Bears have a legacy,” Yingst said in a statement. “It is one that has lasted 74 years, and one that will be well-represented for a long time to come. The new Hershey Bears logo represents that legacy. We return to our identity with the Chocolate and White colors, and blend a modern look into an historic icon.”
The logo features a walking bear that was originally seen on the sweaters of the Bears' hockey clubs of the late-1930s through the mid-1940s. It will adorn the club’s home and road sweaters beginning with the 2012-2013 season; a bear head will be the lone crest on the team's alternate jerseys.
Former Bears Frederic Cassivi, Dave Parro and Mitch Lamoureux modeled the sweaters in front of an estimated crowd of 3000 fans.
Team mascot Coco has undergone a makeover, as well. Coco is slimmer and more fit; he will make appearances throughout the community as an ambassador for healthy living, according to the team.
The team is also establishing a Hershey Bears Hockey Club Hall of Fame, which will be located at GIANT Center on the main concourse. The inaugural class will be announced later this fall and recognized on December 19.
Information used in this story was provided by the Hershey Bears.
