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 Brandon Wheat Kings

Teddy Bear Toss around the Corner

December 2, 2012 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - The Brandon Wheat Kings, in association with Shoppers Mall, invite fans to help make holiday dreams come true on Friday, December 7th at the annual TEDDY BEAR TOSS GAME at Westman Communications Group.

The Wheat Kings will play host to the Spokane Chiefs at 7:30pm and fans attending the game are being encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal or toque and when Brandon scores its first goal, toss your bears on to the ice surface.

All stuffed animals collected will then be donated to the local Christmas Cheer Board.

"Shoppers Mall is pleased to again sponsor the Teddy Bear Toss for Christmas Cheer," says Mall general manager Kim James. "The holidays are a very special time of year and Shoppers Mall hopes to provide extra joy for all this holiday season. It's our wish that everyone in western Manitoba will have a 'Beary' Merry Christmas and much happiness and prosperity in the new year!"

The annual Teddy Bear Toss is an annual Christmas tradition that began in Kamloops, with the WHL's Blazers in 1993. The first Teddy Bear Toss in Brandon was held the following year and has been a big hit ever since.

Since the Wheat King Holiday tradition began in '94, well over 30,000 stuffed animals have been collected and distributed by the Local Christmas Cheer Board. Over 1,500 stuffed animals were collected at last year's event.

In addition to helping out Christmas Cheer, members of the Salvation Army Band will be in attendance on Friday, with the sounds of the season. As well, it will perform the National Anthems before the game between Brandon and Spokane.

Friday's game will be the first of three home games in five nights for the Wheat Kings, who will host Red Deer on Saturday night before hosting the Memorial Cup Host Saskatoon Blades on Tuesday, December 11th at 7pm.

Fans attending Tuesday night's game are encouraged to donate a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item for the Westman & Area Christmas Dinner. As well, Tuesday is also the first Rain Check game of the 2012-13 campaign, which means any unused ticket can be exchanged at the Keystone box office for a free ticket to this game. Regular Ticketmaster Agency fees will apply.

This year marks the 28th year for the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner. The first one, which was organized by former Wheat King head coach Rocky Addison, was attended by thirty people and was held in a small church at the corner of 8th Street and Victoria Avenue. Its been held at the Keystone Centre for over a decade.

Tickets to Brandon's two home games before Christmas are on sale now at the Keystone box office. Fans can also order by phone at 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com.


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