Large Crowd Expected at Stockton Arena on Saturday

Published on January 20, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL ‚¬Å“Award of Excellence, ‚¬Â is scheduled to host its sixth annual ‚¬Å“Teddy Bear Toss ‚¬Â event at Stockton Arena during the Saturday, Jan. 22 game against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by News10, Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel, KAT Country 103, California Water Service Company and Pepsi, the event aims to help deliver new or gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals from the hands of hockey fans across the San Joaquin Valley to local children's charities, courtesy of the United Way of San Joaquin County.

"The Teddy Bear Toss is annually one of the most anticipated promotions for all Thunder fans," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "It's exciting enough when the Thunder scores a goal, but for that to be followed by thousands of stuffed animals hitting the ice, it's a great thrill for everyone. Furthermore, knowing that all of these are donated to less fortunate children throughout San Joaquin County makes it even more special."

‚¬Å“Once more, the community of Stockton is blessed to enjoy the fun and excitement provided by the Stockton Thunder in this great event, ‚¬Â said Andy Prokop, president of the United Way of San Joaquin County. ‚¬Å“This weekend, our non-profit agencies and the people they serve are also blessed to receive several thousands of wonderful teddy bears that have been shared by Thunder fans. Our goal this year is to keep increasing the amount of teddy bears donated that will end up in the hands and hearts of so many deserving and grateful kids who will be sharing their thanks and love to everyone who made this possible. ‚¬Â

The tradition and spectacle carries on once more this season when all fans in attendance are asked to keep their stuffed animal until the Thunder scores its first goal of the game and encouraged to throw their stuffed animal onto the ice. Over the last five seasons, the Thunder and United Way of San Joaquin County have collected and donated over 18,500 stuffed animals.

Last season, a sellout crowd helped donate a record 4,348 stuffed animals and teddy bears at Stockton Arena on a Jan. 30 home game against the Victoria Salmon Kings. Volunteers from the Woodbridge Fire Department, the Stockton Fire Department, the United Way and other volunteers helped collect the donations.

The event has also meant success on the ice and at the box office for the Thunder. In five games of the annual event, the Thunder is undefeated in regulation in four of them at 2-1-2. Coming in droves for the annual event, Thunder fans have averaged 9,277 fans in attendance and four of the five annual games have attracted sellout crowds to Stockton Arena.

A proud affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, the Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine for the third straight year, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

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