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Plymouth Whalers, Orin Jewelers Team up for Saturday's Teddy Bear Toss at Compuware Arena

December 2, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH - When the Plymouth Whalers host the London Knights this Saturday at 7:05 pm at Compuware Arena, there will be more than hockey players and referees on the ice surface.

Saturday is the Whalers 15th Annual Teddy Bear Toss, sponsored by corporate friend Orin Jewelers of Garden City and Northville, the Official Jeweler of the Plymouth Whalers.

The first time the Whalers score on Saturday, fans are encouraged to throw new and gently used stuffed toys on the ice. The Whalers - with the help on Orin Jewelers and other friends - will find homes for the stuffed toys.

Fans have the option of purchasing stuffed toys on Saturday at Compuware Arena for a donation of $5.

Although the Teddy Bear Toss happens every holiday season with Ontario Hockey League and hockey teams throughout North American, this season is a first-time experience for Orin Jewelers, who has been the Official Jeweler of the Whalers for two years.

"We're looking forward to Saturday," said Orin J. Mazzoni, Jr., owner of Orin Jewelers. "This is a new experience for us. It's a little nerve-wracking waiting for the Whalers to score, but once they do, the smiles on everyone's face will be worth it.

"We appreciate the opportunity to be part of a great tradition. And with the support of the Plymouth United Way, we know all these teddy bears will be going to good homes in our own communities this holiday."

Orin Jewelers has enlisted the assistance of the Kiwanis Club of Garden City to assist as well. They'll be running the 50/50 raffle and Chuck-a-Puck events. Also involved in the event is 96.3 WDVD and Blaine Fowler of Blaine & Allyson in the Morning.

"This is all about good people and their businesses helping a great cause," said Denise Ronayne, Plymouth Whalers Director of Marketing. "We enjoy working with Orin Jewelers and are looking forward to seeing the teddy bears coming on to the ice on Saturday."

Fans should be ready to throw the bears early. The Whalers have a history of scoring during the first period of previous Teddy Bear Toss games. Here is a list of recent Plymouth players who scored the first goal on Teddy Bear Night:

Dec. 7, 2013 - Ryan Hartman, 1:18 of the third period.

Dec. 1, 2012 - Matt Mistele, 11:21 first period.

Dec. 3, 2011 - Alex Aleardi, 5:41 first period.

Dec. 4, 2010 - Alex Aleardi, 3:44 first period.

Dec. 5, 2009 - Michal Jordan, 19:32 second period.

Dec. 13, 2008 - Christian Steingraber, 16:41 first period.

Dec. 8, 2007 - AJ Jenks, 12:38 first period.

Dec. 9, 2006 - AJ Jenks, 1:51 first period.

Dec. 10, 2005 - Dan Collins, 13:16 first period.

Dec. 11, 2004 - Cory Tanaka, 17:51 first period.

Per Ontario Hockey League rules, if the Whalers score in the final two minutes of the first or second period, the game will be stopped and the time remaining will be added on to the second or third period.

Orin Jewelers has a long history of supporting the local community. Knowing that "to whom much is given, much will be expected", Orin Jewelers has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to a myriad of worthy causes with sponsorships, products, and services.

Orin Jewelers sponsors the "Orin and Mary Mazzoni Scholarship" at Garden City High School and Northville High School to help youth achieve their success and dreams. Teammates who work at Orin Jewelers participate regularly in the Northville NCBA, Garden City DDA, Kiwanis Club of Garden City and many other local schools, parishes, hospitals, and other philanthropic organizations.

On Saturday, Orin Jewelers and the Plymouth Whalers team up for a fun event that gives back to the community in a unique way.

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