The Florida Everblades, an East Coast Hockey League team that plays at Germain Arena, will participate in the national teddy bear toss at their home game against the Reading Royals 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
The teddy bear toss is a popular Christmas tradition in most minor and junior hockey leagues in the United States. When the home team scores their first goal of the night, the crowd throws teddy bears or stuffed animals over the glass onto the ice. There is no limit as to how may can be thrown. Bears of all shapes and sizes are accepted.
“We’ve had people throw bears as big as I am over the glass,” director of events Randy Klinck said.
Last year, the Florida Everblades collected more than 6,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals and hope to break that record this year.
The bears will be collected and donated as Christmas presents to local hospitals and charities. The Everblades players, Everbabes and Swampee will visit the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida to deliver the stuffed animals to kids.
Tickets to the game can be purchased at the Germain Arena box office or at ticketmaster.com.