Teddy bear toss slated for home opener

October 26, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Gulls and the San Diego School's Police Department are teaming up for the sixth annual "Teddy Bear Toss," which will be held at the Gulls Home Opener, Saturday Nov. 5 against the Stockton Thunder. This year's event is again brought to you by the Window Factory and will benefit Children's Hospital.

After the Gulls score their first goal of the game, fans are asked to throw an unwrapped stuffed toy onto the ice. The stuffed toys MUST be brand-new and approximately nine to 12 inches long. They must also be placed in a special plastic bag, which will be distributed before the game.

The stuffed toys will be collected and donated to Children's Hospital and Health Center of San Diego County at a later date. Gulls players and staff members will participate in the official delivering of the toys.

Since Children's Hospital first opened its doors in 1954, their mission has been "to restore, sustain and enhance the health and developmental potential of children." It's the only designated pediatric trauma center and only area hospital dedicated solely to pediatric care. Their goal is to help create a region where all children go to school healthy and ready to learn how to be productive, responsible citizens.

In addition to caring for children at its main campus in Kearny Mesa, Calif., Children's Hospital has 15 neighborhood centers offering primary care and specialized services. Children's Hospital is also active in numerous community outreach programs, including health education, early intervention and counseling, child abuse prevention and child safety issues.

The Gulls are asking their fans to help set a new ECHL "Teddy Bear Toss" record. Last season the Bakersfield Condors collected more than 7,000 stuffed toys.

"We feel that this is an excellent opportunity to once again help Children's Hospital," Gulls Chief Operating Officer Tera Black said. "This event is all about the kids and the more we can help and donate to them the better.

"We really want to set an ECHL record this year and having it take place during our Home Opener only increases our chances. I encourage everyone to participate again this year and on behalf of the entire organization I want to thank all Gulls fans for their participation and generosity during the five previous events."

The Home Opener is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:05 p.m. against the Stockton Thunder. In addition to the "Teddy Bear Toss," the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Gulls hat and magnetic schedule, also courtesy of the Window Factory.

All games can be heard live on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. Most games can also be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks (Both upcoming games against Phoenix on Friday and Saturday CAN BE VIEWED). Click the B2 Networks (Watch the Game Live) link on the home page for a list of the upcoming telecasted games. To view pictures from this season, visit www.zerodogentertainment.com.



ECHL Stories from October 26, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central