The stuffed animals from the 'Teddy Bear Toss' are collected and donated to the Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. Source: KHQ-TV
Labelled among the best and cutest of ice hockey traditions, the Teddy Bear Toss sees spectators throw thousands of stuffed toys onto the ice.
The tradition was invented by major Canadian hockey team, the Kamloops Blazers, and has since become popularised by many junior and college hockey teams.
Canadian majorjunior ice hockey team, the Calgary Hitmen, have made the custom an annual December tradition titling it the Calvary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss, where after the home team scores their first goal fans throw the bears onto the ice in celebration.
Since the annual tradition begun 23 seasons ago, the Calgary Hitmen have donated 347,948 stuffed toys to local hospitals and charity groups.
After another successful @TheBrick Teddy Bear Toss, this is what itâs all about! We are at the @ACHFKids ready to give these Brickley Bears a new home! pic.twitter.com/tRT5iMyS3U
An extra intermission was added to the match after the game had to be stopped for 35 minutes in order to collect all the toys.
The tradition has spawned some incredible moments in college hockey with leagues like AHL and NCAA holding their won Teddy Bear Toss nights benefiting various charities.
