It could be snow or rain falling outside, but inside Bonnetts Energy Centre, Teddy Bears will be in the forecast on December 10th.
The Grande Prairie Storm’s early December tilt against the Calgary Canucks will also be their annual Teddy Bear Toss Game. After the Storm score their first goal, fans can throw their cuddly donations on the ice, and all the plashed animals will be donated to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation. Executive Director Nicole Menzies says the annual game is not only a team but the community and is always fun to attend.
“It is such a feel-good thing all around; the community gets to support in the donations, the players get to go up to the hospital and visit with the kids, sign autographs and hang out with the ones that are feeling well enough.”
Menzies adds for the players, the event is a special way to see the good the team is doing in the community and the impact it is having off the ice.
“The kids are always so excited to see the Storm players so that they can really bring a smile to a kid’s face and deliver some gifts to them when they are kind of having a hard time around the holidays. That is something really special that sticks with all of our players.”
All plush animals being thrown on the ice should be new with the tags on or in their original packaging. Following the 2 p.m. game on Sunday, December 10th, there will also be a Skate with the Storm.