Hershey Bears Bring Back Calder Cup Champion Louis Robitaille as Assistant Coach
HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Bears have added a familiar face to their coaching staff, announcing Wednesday that former Calder Cup champion Louis Robitaille has been hired as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 American Hockey League season. Robitaille returns to Chocolatetown two decades after helping the Bears capture the 2006 Calder Cup as a player, bringing a wealth of coaching experience from both North America and Europe.
The addition gives head coach Derek King another experienced voice behind the bench as Hershey looks to rebound from last season and chase another Calder Cup championship. Robitaille will work alongside the Bears’ coaching staff in developing the Washington Capitals’ top prospects while helping guide one of the AHL’s premier organizations.
Robitaille’s playing career is closely tied to the Capitals organization. The rugged forward appeared in two NHL games with Washington during the 2005-06 season while spending most of that year with Hershey. He played three seasons with the Bears from 2005-08, recording 45 points and helping the franchise capture the 2006 Calder Cup. His physical style, leadership, and work ethic made him a fan favorite during his time in central Pennsylvania.
Following his playing career, Robitaille transitioned into coaching and quickly built an impressive résumé. He has served as a head coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, guided Canada’s national under-18 program as an assistant coach, and most recently coached professionally in Europe. His experience developing young talent made him an attractive addition for a Hershey organization that consistently prepares prospects for NHL opportunities with the Capitals.
The move also reunites Robitaille with an organization where he enjoyed some of the greatest success of his playing career. His familiarity with Hershey’s championship culture and expectations should provide an immediate benefit to both veterans and younger players entering the Bears’ locker room.
Hershey has been active throughout the offseason, adding depth to both its roster and coaching staff as it prepares for training camp. The Bears remain one of the AHL’s model franchises, and adding an experienced coach with championship pedigree reinforces the organization’s commitment to competing for another Calder Cup while continuing to develop future Washington Capitals.
Brian’s Take
This is an outstanding hire for Hershey. Robitaille knows exactly what it takes to win in Chocolatetown because he has done it as a player. Just as importantly, he has spent years developing young players as a coach. With the Bears continuing to serve as Washington’s primary pipeline, bringing in someone who understands both player development and championship hockey should pay dividends throughout the 2026-27 season.
