The generosity of Calgary Hitmen fans was on display Sunday afternoon as an early first period goal prompted a flurry of furry animals.
Radel Fazleev’s tally 98 seconds into the WHL game between the Hitmen against the Moose Jaw Warriors brought the fans to their feet, and thousands of stuffed animals soared through the air, as part of the 20th Annual Petro-Canada Teddy Bear Toss.
“As we celebrate 20 years of Hitmen hockey, it is incredible to see the growth of this event and impact it has on the agencies in Calgary and surrounding area,” said Hitmen GM Mike Moore. “With the help of our amazing fans and partnership with Suncor and Petro-Canada, this annual holiday tradition has turned into an event that is recognized worldwide. The teddy bears kindly donated today will make a difference to those in need this time of year.”
25,214 toys were collected from the ice by Hitmen players, staff and volunteers, placed in trucks, and sorted. All of the donated animals will be donated to 60 different charitable agencies in the Calgary Area including the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
In 2013, 17,199 fans tossed 25.921 teddy bears to the ice. The total was the second-most in team history.
On Monday, Hitmen players will visit patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and deliver some of the stuffed toys.
