The Calgary Hitmen battled the Red Deer Rebels as the 25th edition of the Teddy Bear Toss took over the Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday.
Fans threw 25,025 stuffed toys onto the ice when Hitmen forward Carson Focht scored the team’s first goal 1:34 into the first period.
Those bears will be donated to more than 70 agencies this holiday season, including the Salvation Army, the Calgary Food Bank and Siksika Nation.
The Hitmen said including Sunday’s game, they have provided the community with 402,608 teddy bears since the first toss in 1995.
“For 25 seasons, our fans have backed this incredible charitable cause and we would once again like to thank them for their tremendous support,” said Rob Kerr, Hitmen assistant manager of business operations.
“This game has become a holiday tradition and the bears collected today will have a significant impact in our local community.”
The Rebels defeated the Hitmen 3-2 in overtime.
The Hitmen delivered stuffies to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on Monday.
The last five tosses
According to the Hitmen, Calgary holds a record of 17 wins, six losses and one tie in the previous 24 Teddy Bear Toss games.
Dec. 7, 2014: Calgary Hitmen 8 – Moose Jaw Warriors 3. Teddy bear goal scored by Radel Fazleev at 1:38.
Dec. 6, 2015: Calgary Hitmen 2 – Swift Current Broncos 1. Teddy bear goal scored by Jordy Stallard at 22:41.
Nov. 26, 2016: Lethbridge Hurricanes 4 – Calgary Hitmen 2. Teddy bear goal scored by Micheal Zipp at 19:47.
Dec. 10, 2017: Moose Jaw Warriors 6 – Calgary Hitmen 3. Teddy bear goal scored by Vladislav Yeryomenko at 9:36.
Dec. 9, 2018: Calgary Hitmen 6 – Kamloops Blazers 3. Teddy bear goal scored by Kaden Elder at 4:18.