Sound Tigers Spread Holiday Cheer
December 19, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers and their fans teamed up to put smiles on the faces of children at area hospitals this week. Players, coaches and staffers were in the giving mood for the holidays as they hand-delivered teddy bears and other stuffed animals to children from Stamford to Derby.
"It shows the true meaning of Christmas," Stamford Hospital Dr. Georgette Bordas said.
The Sound Tigers' players and coaches, along with front office personnel, including President Howard Saffan, also went to Norwalk Hospital, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital and Derby's Griffin Hospital. They brought thousands of stuffed animals, donated by their fans during Sunday's game against Norfolk, to healthy newborns as well as sick children.
Every year, fans participate in the Teddy Bear Toss, throwing their gifts onto the ice after the Sound Tigers score their first goal of the designated game. When Allan Rourke got the Sound Tigers on the scoreboard with his second-period tally on Sunday, he sparked a celebration as stuffed toys rained from the stands onto the skating surface.
"It's fun being here and making the kids a little bit happier," said Sound Tiger forward Robert Nilsson, while visiting several children and their moms at Stamford Hospital on Monday.
Nilsson, accustomed to setting up his teammates on the ice, was assisting children, some recovering from surgery and others fighting viruses, in their efforts to feel better.
"It puts everything in perspective," Sound Tigers Head Coach Dan Marshall said. "It's great to see a smile on the kids' faces."
Santa Claus and members of AMR joined the Sound Tigers in their trips to the local hospitals.
Sound Tiger defenseman Kevin Mitchell said the excursion from the rink "brought the players down to earth a little bit" and was well worthwhile because it made the children happy.
"It's great. To be able to come out and help these kids who are less fortunate than us is a good feeling," rookie forward Blake Comeau said.
The Sound Tigers visit Norfolk and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this week and return to the Arena at Harbor Yard to host the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Saturday is Santa Claus Night, and all fans who dress as Santa will watch the game for free. For schedule and ticket information for all Sound Tigers games, including group discount opportunities, visit soundtigers.com or call 334-4625. Tickets are also available at the Arena Box Office.
American Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2006
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- Callahan to Rangers, Ozolinsh joins Pack - Connecticut Whale
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- Fukufuji Returns To Manchester - Manchester Monarchs
- Griffins Celebrate Holidays at Home - Grand Rapids Griffins
- San Jose recalls goaltender Dimitri Patzold from Worcester - Worcester Sharks
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- Crunch Announce Details of Time Warner Cable 'Buy One, Get One Free' Night - Syracuse Crunch
- Sound Tigers Spread Holiday Cheer - Bridgeport Islanders
- Day nine of Rampage 12-Days of Giving - San Antonio Rampage
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