Fans toss nearly 10,000 teddy bears for charity during Kitchener Rangers game
Nearly 10,000 stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice Tuesday night as the Kitchener Rangers hosted its 27th annual Teddy Bear Toss at The Aud.
It was only 4:17 into the game when Rangers captain Francesco Pinelli, scored the first goal of the night.
Fans then threw 9,962 stuffed animals onto the ice, which have since been collected and destined for donation to local charities.
“It’s a great feeling to see all the fans that support us, and all the teddy bears that went out on the ice. It was a special moment,” said Pinelli.
Last year, the Rangers collected 7,406 stuffed animals, meaning this year saw 2,556 more bears donated compared to last year.
"We are the community's team, and we take that, facilitate it and bring these stuffed animals and teddy bears to the community. So we want to be a pillar here, and this game fully encompasses what the Kitchener Rangers are in the Waterloo Region,” said Dominic Hennig, senior director of communications with the Kitchener Rangers.
The Rangers have donated over 170,000 stuffed animals since the toss began 27 years ago.
The stuffed animals go to local charities so less fortunate kids can still get a gift during the holidays
Rangers fan Ashley Atcheson along with her two kids brought a bag full of plush toys to the game to toss on the ice.
"There's a duck, two bears, and I think it's like a cub, a lion," said Atcheson.
When the first goal hit the back of the net, stuffed animals rained down onto the ice, and those in the front row were able to retoss the ones that didn’t quite make it onto the ice.
"Most of the time we get hit in the head with a teddy bear, so I get to re-throw it, so that's fun,” said Rangers fan Olivia Moniz.
It was a successful night off the ice as the event brought in over 6,600 fans, a season-high, and also a victorious night on the ice.
The Kitchener Rangers defeated the Guelph Storm 4-1 in another installment of the Highway 7 rivalry. The Rangers have now won three of their last four games.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.