Teddy Bear Toss a Resounding Success
Published on December 11, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Thunder held their most successful "Teddy Bear Toss" ever on Saturday, bringing in a whopping total of 574 stuffed toys for charity.
The Thunder players will begin delivering the bears around Wichita on Thursday evening when five players will make an appearance at the Wichita Children's Home. Jason Duda, Pat Stachniak, Paul Johnson, Vladimir Hartinger and Patrik Lovisek will spend time with needy children from 6:15 p.m. until every child has a smile on their face.
"We are very happy to have this opportunity to lend a hand during the Holiday season, said Thunder Assistant General Manager Joel T. Lomurno. "Most of all, we would like to thank all the fans who made this possible through their overwhelming generosity".
The Thunder collected the bears at last Saturday's game versus Oklahoma City when rookie forward Ryan McLean scored the first goal of the game, prompting the fans to fill the ice with the stuffed toys. Due to the enormous response, the bears will also be delivered to both the YWCA Battered Women's Safe House and the Maude Carpenter Children's Home.
Several Thunder players will also bring Holiday cheer to Wesley Rehab Hospital, located at 8338 West 13th Street on Thursday Night. Jeff Petruic, Aaron Plumb, Tom Gomes, Andrew Oke and Chad Nelson will serve dinner to patients at the hospital from 5:30 until 6:00 p.m.
The Thunder will attempt to win their second straight game on Friday, when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 7:30 p.m. The first 2500 fans in attendance will receive a Friday the 13th "Jason (Duda) Mask", courtesy of Crown Chase Apartments.
Newcomer Derek Reynolds is expected to make his Thunder debut on Friday. The 2001 CHL Rookie of the Year, Reynolds was acquired from the El Paso Buzzards yesterday in exchange for defenseman Bob Rapoza.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2002
- Mudbugs thaw Ice, 3-1 - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
- Newest Team Announces Name, Logo - CHL
- Bucks Broadcasts Go Online with SportsJuice.com - Laredo Bucks
- Teddy Bear Toss a Resounding Success - Wichita Thunder
- Ice Welcomes Tone-Loc - Indianapolis Ice
- Goal-Parched Bats Search for Offense - Austin Ice Bats
- Brahmas end skid with win at home over IceRays - Fort Worth Brahmas
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