Calgary Hitmen Succeed With Annual 'Teddy Bear Toss'

There are countless charitable efforts done by hockey organizations of all shapes and sizes during the holiday season. One of the absolute best comes from the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.

The Hitmen hold a "Teddy Bear Toss" during a December home game every year, and it's become a tradition in many WHL rinks, including Lethbridge, Portland and Spokane.

Three years ago, Calgary set a world record, as over 26,000 teddy bears were tossed on the ice to benefit local charities. This year, the Hitmen put out a call for help, hoping to get 23,000 bears during their game Sunday against Moose Jaw.

When the Hitmen scored their first goal, the bears rained down inside the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The total was 23,096, so Calgary was able to reach their goal. The next day, players were out at a local hospital to distribute the bears to those in need.

Trevor Grant said when his two-year-old son Easton was given a teddy bear, he had trouble fighting back his emotions. "(Easton has) had a rough life so it's really neat to see this happen," said Grant.

Easton's mom, Jalene Grant, said they come to the hospital every week and having the Hitmen hand Easton a teddy bear made their day a little brighter. "It just puts a smile on their face, everything they have to go through. To be able to take five minutes and do that is pretty awesome."