Hockey Fights Cancer Night More Than Just 'Another' Game For Hershey's Anas

HERSHEY, Pa. - For Sam Anas, the journey to Hershey and the Washington Capitals organization feels a bit like coming home, but the journey here has not always been an easy one off the ice for the Potomac, Maryland native.

Anas, who lost his mother, Deme, to cancer in August of 2020, stated that Hockey Fights Cancer nights have a little extra meaning to him personally.

"It's definitely a day that means a lot to myself and my family," Anas said, noting that his father was in attendance at Hershey's November 20th Hockey Fights Cancer Night. "In losing my mom to cancer and she's such a big part of my life and my development and not just as a hockey player, but as a person. I think a lot of the values that she instilled in me or how I carry myself as a man today, so I think I just tried to honor her in the best way possible, and play hard for her every game and just try to do everything with a smile on my face too," he continued.

Anas, who played four seasons for the Iowa Wild, was in Utica during the COVID-shortened season and played in Springfield last season where one of his 20 goals on the season was on Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

While Anas did not score on Hockey Fights Cancer Night this season, he did record his 100th AHL goal the night before to help lift the Bears to a victory over Hartford.

"I've played with a lot of good players in my time in the American League, so it's kind of one of those things that, you know, you put in your work and you're surrounded with good players and good things happen. So, it's a credit to a lot of those guys, and it's just a cool milestone," Anas said of reaching 100 career AHL goals.

That night, Anas was one of several Hershey players to hit the score sheet with a multi-point game. He also recorded an assist and was just a fight away from a Gordie Howe Hattrick, but when asked if he's ever been in a fight, Anas laughed and said, "I have not, so no Gordie Howe Hattricks for me, probably not many in my future either."

Unfortunately, Sam’s dad, Pater, missed the milestone because, "My dad was at a Caps game," Sam said, explaining that his parents are season ticket holders and noting that he played for the Little Caps growing up before juniors and three seasons at Quinnipiac University.

The proximity and connection to the Capitals is one of the biggest factors why Anas signed with Hershey in the off-season. "It’s great for [my father] to be close and I've had family come up a bunch. It feels like the perfect fit," Anas said.

Another reason this might have been the perfect fit for Anas and Hershey was the community involvement opportunities. "You know, obviously, the Bears are a big part of the community here, and I enjoy doing that kind of stuff. I think it just seems so natural, and kind of getting to know fans and other people in the community just on a personal level. It means a lot to them, and it's cool for us to get to know these people too."

Anas, along with three other players visited the USO at Fort Indiantown Gap ahead of Veterans’ Day.

"It was awesome," Anas said. "We have so much respect for the military and all that they do, not just for our country, but the sacrifices that they make for their bodies and everything. It's just, it truly is the ultimate sacrifice and we salute them with every honor."

While this was the first community event Anas was able to participate in with Hershey, he's no stranger to community engagement opportunities, but noted that due to COVID he was unable to be too involved in Utica and Springfield. However, in Iowa, Anas was very involved, being named Iowa’s Man of the Year during the 2017-2018 season. And the fan base in Iowa was there to support Anas through the toughest times as well.

"They hold a special place in my heart, they kind of have always treated me well with everything that my mom went through. And they're very supportive, and even to this day, reaching out on social media, they've always been great," he said.

Anas, who noted he was also looking forward to reconnecting with some people in Springfield when Hershey made their first trip there this past week, will likely find Hershey's fanbase carving out a special place in his heart as well.

And who knows, perhaps with all of the injuries in Washington, Anas might find himself reconnected with another face from the past - Joe Snively, a former teammate at Landon School who is now living his dream of playing for the NHL team in his childhood backyard as well.