Teddy Bears On Ice Hockey Rink
Ice hockey games are always exciting to watch, from the intense playing to the roar of the crowds. But one thing that sets apart some games from the rest is the presence of another type of spectator: the teddy bear.
The History of Teddy Bears on Ice Hockey Rinks
The origin of teddy bears on ice hockey rinks can be traced back to the Western Hockey League's Kamloops Blazers in Canada in the early 1990s. During a game, a fan threw a teddy bear onto the ice after the home team scored, and the tradition was born.
Since then, teddy bear tosses have become a popular event in ice hockey games, especially during the holiday season. Fans bring new, unwrapped stuffed animals to the game and toss them onto the ice after the home team scores their first goal. The teddy bears are collected by volunteers and donated to local charities, bringing joy to children in need.
The Impact of Teddy Bears on Ice Hockey Rinks
Aside from their charitable impact, teddy bears on ice hockey rinks also add a unique and fun element to the game. Fans eagerly anticipate the moment when they can throw their bears onto the ice, often dressing them up in team colors or other festive outfits.
The throwing of the bears onto the ice also provides an exciting break in the action of the game, giving fans a chance to participate and show their support for their team while enjoying the spectacle of hundreds or even thousands of bears raining down onto the rink.
Teddy Bears on Ice Hockey Rinks Around the US
The teddy bear toss tradition has spread to ice hockey rinks throughout the United States, with many teams holding their own annual events. Some teams even set records for the most teddy bears collected in a single game, with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League holding the world record with 45,650 bears collected in 2018.
Notable teams that hold teddy bear toss events include the Chicago Wolves, the Charlotte Checkers, and the Milwaukee Admirals, among others.
The Future of Teddy Bears on Ice Hockey Rinks
The tradition of teddy bears on ice hockey rinks shows no signs of slowing down, with more teams joining in and new records being set each year. It has become an integral part of the ice hockey experience, bringing together fans, players, and charities in a fun and heartwarming way.
As long as there are ice hockey games, there will be teddy bears on the rink, spreading joy and entertainment to all who are lucky enough to witness it.
