What is the Ottawa 67s teddy bear toss
Every December, Ottawa 67's fans bring stuffed animals to the rink for one of junior hockey's most heartwarming traditions. When the home team scores its first goal, thousands of teddy bears rain down onto the ice. Players stop and watch the magic unfold. Later, volunteers collect every toy and deliver them to kids in hospitals and shelters across Ottawa. The Ottawa 67's teddy bear toss proves that hockey games can change lives beyond the scoreboard.
How the teddy bear toss started
The tradition began in 1993 with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League. Marketing director Don Larson wanted to boost attendance while helping charities. After the first goal on December 5, 1993, fans threw over 2,400 stuffed animals onto the ice. The idea caught fire fast. Junior leagues, the AHL, and teams worldwide adopted the concept. Today, teddy bear tosses happen across North America during the holiday season (it's pretty cool how one guy's idea spread like that).
What happens at the Ottawa 67's event
The 67's host their toss in early December, timing it with holiday spirit. Fans fill the arena knowing something special will happen that night. When the home team scores that first goal, the crowd erupts instantly. Stuffed animals fly onto the ice in a blizzard of fur and color. Players smile as the crowd celebrates around them. The moment combines pure hockey excitement with genuine community purpose. Notable 67's scorers have earned the honor of triggering this beloved tradition over the years.
Where the stuffed animals go
Every toy collected has a destination. local charities, hospitals, and families recieve the donations during winter months. children who need comfort get hugs in stuffed animal form. the scale matters too (seriously, some numbers are impressive). the AHL's Hershey Bears hold the world record with over 45,000 toys in 2019. while Ottawa's toss runs smaller, it still delivers thousands of gifts to local kids each year. real families benefit from real generosity.
Tips for fans and organizers
Bring new or gently used stuffed animals to the game. Soft toys work best for children. Wait for the announcement, organizers time the toss during a stoppage in play for safety. Coordinators should partner with charities before game day. Clear communication prevents confusion and speeds collection. Teams should promote the event on social media weeks ahead. Big crowds mean bigger impact on local communities.
The Ottawa 67's teddy bear toss reminds us why we love hockey. Players, fans, and communities come together for something bigger than sports. Every stuffed animal represents hope. Every toss celebrates the season. If you've never experienced one, mark your calendar for next December. Bring a toy, throw it high, and watch how hockey brings people together.