Player movement is commonplace in the American Hockey League. Turnover during the summer is unavoidable, and departures are a part of life. In today’s era of social media, fans can keep track of their favorite players on other teams very easily. Sometimes, a player and fanbase can become linked deeply enough that a trip of over 760 miles is necessary.
Such was the case this weekend as a few special Milwaukee Admirals fans made the trip to Hershey to visit Jimmy Huntington. Huntington formed a special bond with a young fan named Cooper, and the two reunited this past weekend.
Pregame Ritual
The story begins during Huntington’s time in Milwaukee for part of the 2021-22 season and all of the 2023-24 campaign. Cooper and his father, Brad Schultz, sat along the glass at UV-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Every game at warmups, Huntington noticed Cooper along the glass and made a habit of jumping into the glass from both sides. Their bond extended off the ice into a friendship.
“We’re season ticket holders and sit along the glass,” Schultz explained. “(Huntington) came over and saw Cooper give him a little fist bump, and from there on it spiraled into a little more and more. It became a ritual that both parties look for each game.”
Huntington helped the Admirals reach the Western Conference Finals in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs. Milwaukee fell in six games to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, their longest postseason run since reaching the final round in 2006. The common denominator between the 2006 Admirals and the 2023 Firebirds? The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup in both of those seasons.
Destination: The Sweetest Place on Earth
The summer was one of change for both Huntington and the Bears. Hershey lost key role players like Mason Morelli and needed quality people as well as hockey players. It made sense for the Bears to agree to terms on an American Hockey League contract with Huntington for the 2023-24 season.
Since then, Huntington has become an invaluable asset as a leader and a scorer for the Bears. Cooper and his family watched their favorite player from afar, but that would change for one weekend in March.
“When we first saw he signed with Hershey, we were obviously disappointed,” Schultz said. “But then we looked ahead to this season, and it worked out perfect that there were two games back-to-back. We’re not missing any home games back in Milwaukee and we get the full weekend in without missing too much school for Cooper. All the stars aligned perfectly.”
Red Carpet Rollout
The family made the trip from Milwaukee to Hershey for a pair of games at Giant Center over the weekend. The Chocolate and White took on the Syracuse Crunch, Huntington’s other former team, as well as the Hartford Wolf Pack. Huntington went out of his way to secure tickets for the visitors in addition to having Cooper on the bench for warmups. After the game, Huntington presented Cooper with his game-worn jersey in addition to his hockey stick and gloves.
“It’s a surreal feeling to get a text from Jimmy,” Schultz said. “You see that on your phone and go, ‘wow’. It’s more than a fan and a player now, it’s a personal connection. The things he’s been doing to make this happen and make it special, it’s been awesome.”
“When you have a down day or something, you think about Cooper, and it makes it easier,” Huntington said. “It’s something special, I cannot describe it.”
Huntington’s Big Night
The game seemed destined for a big performance by Huntington. His face adorned the front of game programs in the arena ahead of an important game for the Bears. Hershey was fresh off of a “come to Jesus” meeting, as described by head coach Todd Nelson, to get back on track.
The man of the hour played a big role in a comeback win, assisting on Pierrick Dubé’s goal to tie the game and tallying the eventual game-winning goal in a 4-1 final score.
“It was special. I am really happy he was here [and that I] scored a goal for him,” Huntington said. “Winning today was for him and his family.”
The win was important for Huntington and the Bears, who lead the league in terms of points. Huntington is in the midst of a career year, with his performance on Saturday helping him eclipse his single season point total with 29 (14 goals, 16 assists). He’s taken on a larger role in the midst of some key absences at center, stepping up in some key moments.
Next up for Huntington? Helping this year’s iteration of the Bears go back to the promised land. It’s easy to forget that he’s a new face to this organization, and another deep playoff run would mean a lot to him and his number one fan. After all, it’s hard to top a storybook ending like this past weekend!
