Gordie Howe once remarked "Everybody who is anybody in hockey has played in Hershey." While that might not be 100% accurate, it emphasizes Hershey's storied tradition in the world of professional hockey. Offered here is a scarce Hershey Bears American Hockey League (AHL) jersey worn by the club's alternate captain Howie Yanosik during the 1964-1965 season. This jersey also has a unique provenance. Our consignor grew up in Hershey and played on the Hershey junior league hockey team. The tradition at the time was that the Hershey Bears would receive new jerseys each year, with those used in the previous season passed down to the junior club. Our consignor wore this jersey in the 1965-1966 season, which dates its use by the Hersey Bears to the 1964-1965 season. It has remained in his possession since that time.

The white jersey, with maroon accents, is lettered "Hershey" across the front and features the number "6" on the reverse and each sleeve. The team's "Bear" logo patch and the letter "A" (for alternate captain) appear on the left breast. All letters and numerals are applied in maroon tackle twill. The jersey, which bears no manufacturer's tags (there is no evidence of any tags having been removed) displays heavy wear, including numerous team repairs. Research indicates that Howie Yanosik wore number "6" with the Hershey Bears during the 1964-1965 season. Yanosik played ten seasons (1957-58 to 1966-67) with the Hershey Bears and was inducted into the Hershey Bears Hall of Fame in 2015. This is an outstanding vintage 1960s hockey jersey relating to one of professional hockey's most venerable franchises.