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Teddy bears rain down on ice for charity as Calgary Hitmen beat Kamloops Blazers

Click to play video: 'Teddy bears rain down on ice for charity as Calgary Hitmen beat Kamloops Blazers'
Teddy bears rain down on ice for charity as Calgary Hitmen beat Kamloops Blazers
WATCH: Calgary Hitmen forward Kaden Elder scored on a breakaway 4:18 into the first period of the Brick Teddy Bear Toss, prompting 29,635 stuffed toys to rain down on the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday – Dec 9, 2018

As the Calgary Hitmen took on the Kamloops Blazers, 29,635 teddy bears hit the ice for a good cause at Sunday’s WHL game at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Brick Teddy Bear Toss collected stuffed animals from Calgarians and more than 70 local agencies to share with kids in need. The Hitmen said the Brick is donating 25 cents for every bear tossed to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation for a total of $7,408.75.

Just 4:18 into the first period, Hitmen forward Kaden Elder scored the first goal, calling the moment it started raining bears surreal.

“It was definitely an awesome experience and something that I probably would never forget,” he said. “The atmosphere at the rink was crazy, so many fans supporting, so many teddy bears on the ice. It was definitely an adrenaline rush.”

The Hitmen Hockey Club plan to deliver the stuffed toys to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on Monday. Global News

Hitmen Head Coach Steve Hamilton said the crowd’s response was amazing.

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“It was nice to see Kaden get that one early — the place lit up,” he said. “Certainly, a very, very special event.”

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WATCH: Community reporter Deb Matejicka reports on the record high number of stuffed animals the Calgary Hitmen’s teddy bear toss game hauled in and those who received the cuddly creatures.

Click to play video: 'Calgary Hitmen hand deliver Christmas joy to kids in hospital'
Calgary Hitmen hand deliver Christmas joy to kids in hospital

 

The Hitmen beat the Blazers 6 to 3.

Since the first toss in 1995, the Hitmen said they have provided the community with 377,583 teddy bears.

The Hitmen Hockey Club delivered the stuffed toys to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on Monday.

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