EDMONTON — It’s an event that grows each and every year, helping those in need at Christmastime. The Edmonton Oil Kings will host the 9th annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 5 against the Swift Current Broncos.
In support of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, hockey fans are asked to bring a stuffed teddy bear to the game. When the Oil Kings score their first goal, fans toss their bears onto the ice at Rexall Place.
“Time and time again, Oil Country has proven itself to be exceedingly generous. The people of Edmonton and northern Alberta never miss the chance to show their charitable spirit, and it’s because of that spirit that the Teddy Bear Toss continues to grow and be a success,” said Kevin Radomski, director of business operations with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Last season’s Teddy Bear Toss was the most successful to date, with 14,066 people in attendance and 11,492 stuffed toys collected at the game.
READ MORE: Edmonton Oil Kings’ Teddy Bear Toss breaks records
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Over the past eight seasons, upwards of 70,000 fans have donated 49,219 stuffed animals to Santas Anonymous.
Radomski is challenging hockey fans to make 2015 the best year yet.
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“We really want to challenge our fans this year to bring a bear if you’re coming to the game. No one should show up empty handed. You wouldn’t go to a Halloween party without a costume on, right? So don’t forget to bring a bear to the Teddy Bear Toss.”
At the game on Dec. 5, the team will wear specialty jerseys, which were unveiled on Monday. The jerseys will be auctioned off during and after the game with the proceeds also going to Santas Anonymous.
“When you add to the stuffed animals the proceeds from the 50/50, Chuck-A-Puck and jersey auction, the Teddy Bear Toss is one of the top annual events for 630 CHED Santas Anonymous. The awareness about the program is invaluable,” said Lana Nordlund, executive director of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous.
Last year, the jersey auction raised $22,635.
Tickets for the game are available now at OilKings.ca, the Rexall Place box office or any Ticketmaster location.
Here’s a look back at the history of the Teddy Bear Toss
2007-08 (Jan. 20, 2008):
Teddy Bear Goal – Brett Breitkreuz (1st Period, 19:32)
Attendance – 5,135
Stuffed Toys Donated – 942
2008-09 (Dec. 12, 2008):
Teddy Bear Goal – Michael Burns (3rd Period, 4:09)
Attendance – 6,630
Stuffed Toys Donated – 1,300
2009-10 (Dec. 18, 2009):
Teddy Bear Goal – Lane Werbowski (2nd Period, 10:50)
Attendance – 4,760
Stuffed Toys Donated – 2,000
2010-11 (Dec. 17, 2010):
Teddy Bear Goal – No Goal
Attendance – 5,811
Stuffed Toys Donated – 4,922
2011-12 (Dec. 17, 2011):
Teddy Bear Goal – Mitch Moroz (2nd Period, 19:46)
Attendance – 10,166
Stuffed Toys Donated – 7,600
2012-13 (Dec. 7, 2012):
Teddy Bear Goal – Edgars Kulda (1st Period, 1:55)
Attendance – 12,575
Stuffed Toys – 10,835
2013-14 (Dec. 6, 2013):
Teddy Bear Goal – Dysin Mayo (1st Period, 15:20)
Attendance – 10,058
Stuffed Toys – 10,128
2014-15 (Dec. 6, 2014):
Teddy Bear Goal – Andrew Koep (1st Period, 0:51)
Attendance – 14,066
Stuffed Toys – 11,492
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