One of the most heartwarming nights in local hockey is almost here.
The Victoria Royals are preparing to host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Friday, December 12th, and this year they’re pushing for their biggest haul yet.
The goal is to collect 4,000 teddy bears for children across Greater Victoria, and the call is out for fans to help make it happen.
The Teddy Bear Toss is a fan favourite, filling Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with cheers, holiday energy and a sudden snowstorm of flying stuffed animals.
Fans are asked to bring a new or gently used bear to the game, and the moment the Royals score their first goal, thousands of teddy bears hit the ice at once.
It’s loud, it’s chaotic and it’s one of the purest moments of community joy in sports.
To make sure the team hits that 4,000-bear goal, fans are encouraged to bring their own bear from home. Bears will also be available for purchase, but only in limited supply, courtesy of Save-On-Foods in the concourse and at the team store.
Last year’s toss brought in 3,061 stuffed animals, a huge achievement, but the organization hopes to blow past it to reach even more local kids this holiday season.
This year’s teddy bears will go to charities including Surrounded By Cedar Child & Family Services and the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, with more distribution partners still to be confirmed.
A record haul means more children receiving something comforting and personal at a time of year that can be incredibly difficult for many families.
Before the rink disappears under a pile of teddy fur, the Royals have four home games leading into the big night, including a weekend double-header against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
See also: Victoria will have a chance to see Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes play next week
That matchup gives fans the chance to see Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes up close, a highly anticipated young forward who continues to make noise in the WHL.
For those at the game on Sunday, November 30th, fans will have the chance to skate with the players after the game. Skate rentals will be available.
With momentum building and crowds growing, the team is hoping the energy from this homestand carries straight into one of the loudest and most meaningful games of the year.
Fans attending the Teddy Bear Toss can also support kids by taking part in in-arena fundraisers. All 50/50 proceeds will go to Island Kids Cancer, and Chuck-a-Puck sales will support the Victoria Royals Admirals U11A team. Both will be available until the second intermission.
For the Teddy Bear Toss game, the Royals take on the Vancouver Giants with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m. on Friday, December 12th at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Tickets for the game sell fast so grab yours quickly!
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Vancouver Giants vs Victoria Royals – Teddy Bear Toss
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memoria Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Friday, December 12th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
