Kitchener Rangers’ Teddy Bear Toss Nets Nearly 10,000 Stuffed Toys

UPDATE: In a heartwarming show of community spirit, the Kitchener Rangers collected 9,989 stuffed animals during their thrilling 30th annual Teddy Bear Toss on December 5, 2023. The event, held at The Aud, saw fans eagerly filling the arena, each bringing stuffed toys to toss onto the ice after the Rangers scored their first goal.

The excitement reached its peak when forward Jack Pridham scored late in the second period, triggering a cascade of plush toys that filled the rink. “It was awesome,” Pridham stated. “Got the puck down low and put it on net. Great screen by Christian Humphreys and it was great to see it go in. It’s obviously for a great cause, so to see all the fans bringing their bears, it was awesome.”

Despite falling just short of last year’s impressive total of over 10,000 bears, the outpouring of support from the local community highlights the significance of this annual tradition. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to collect and prepare the stuffed animals for distribution to local charities, organizations, and schools in time for Christmas.

Chantal Valliere, the Rangers’ game-day operations manager, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “It just shows that it’s not only the organization, but the fans are involved in the community and it has such a great community outreach.”

As fans celebrated the event, many expressed their excitement about supporting local initiatives while enjoying a thrilling hockey game. This year’s Teddy Bear Toss not only showcased the Rangers’ commitment to community engagement but also created memorable moments for families and fans alike.

This beloved annual event underscores the power of sports to unite and uplift a community. As the holiday season approaches, the impact of these nearly 10,000 stuffed toys will resonate throughout Kitchener, bringing joy to children and families in need.

Stay tuned for updates on how the collected toys will support local charities and make a difference this Christmas season!