The Calgary Hitmen are preparing for a major milestone this weekend, as they host their 30th annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Sunday. The Western Hockey League (WHL) club has set an ambitious target for the landmark event: collecting 30,000 stuffed toys to break their previous record.
A Record-Setting Goal for a Milestone Event
The team's current record stands at 29,635 plush toys, set during the 2018-19 season. With community requests for bears reaching an all-time high, the Hitmen are calling on fans to help them surpass that number in honour of the event's 30th anniversary. The toss will occur at the Scotiabank Saddledome when the Hitmen score their first goal against the Wenatchee Wild.
"It's a big task, but as an organization we make it our goal every year to meet the request for bears," said Amy Bontorin, the Hitmen's business operations manager. "We are calling on the community and hockey fans to come together to help us in our mission of breaking our record in honour of the 30th annual Teddy Bear Toss."
Community Partnership and Distribution
The Hitmen are once again partnering with energy provider Enmax for the event. Sheri Primrose, Enmax's chief financial officer, highlighted the community spirit of the toss. "The Teddy Bear Toss is one of those events that truly bring our community together and it's inspiring to see how much joy and support it generates," Primrose said. Enmax volunteers will help collect and sort the massive donation.
Fans are asked to bring new or gently used small- to medium-sized stuffed animals to the game. After the toss, the bears will be stored overnight by Driving Force. The following day, Monday, December 8, is designated as distribution day at the Saddledome, where more than 60 local agencies will collect the toys for the holiday season.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Across Calgary
The charitable impact extends beyond the initial distribution. The Hitmen team will personally deliver bears to the Alberta Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, ensuring the donations bring direct comfort to young patients and their families during the holidays.
Puck drop for Sunday's historic game is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Tickets remain available for purchase through the CHL website. This unique blend of sporting tradition and charitable giving continues to be a hallmark of the Calgary Hitmen's season, uniting hockey fans for a powerful cause.
