Anticipation Builds for the 20th Annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss Game;
Includes Golden Ticket Giveaway for Three Lucky Fans

The excitement is palpable as the 20th annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss game approaches on Saturday, December 7th with Utica University Pioneers Men’s Hockey. What began in 2005 as a one-time community event has grown into the most anticipated hockey event of the season. This sold-out game raises over 4,000 stuffed animals each year, and over 60,000 toy donations since inception.

A Tradition Begins: The Origin of the Teddy Bear Toss

The idea for the Teddy Bear Toss was brought to New York Sash by Pioneers head coach Gary Heenan, inspired by a similar event in Canada. When he proposed the idea to Scot Hayes, owner of New York Sash, Hayes eagerly agreed to sponsor and organize the event. Since then, the New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss has become a beloved annual tradition where fans bring stuffed animals to the Pioneers hockey game. When the Pioneers score the first goal, the Teddy Bears are thrown onto the ice to be collected by New York Sash and ultimately donated to local children.

New Partnership: Teddy Bear Toss x Stuff the Bus CNY

This year New York Sash has announced a new partnership with Stuff the Bus CNY, a local giving initiative by Roser Communications Network. Since 2008, Stuff the Bus has collected and distributed hundreds of thousands of toys to children in need in the Mohawk Valley. This collaboration aims to spread even more holiday cheer to local children this season.

Golden Ticket Giveaway

In honor of the 20th anniversary, New York Sash along with partners Utica Pioneers and Stuff the Bus are hosting a special Golden Ticket Giveaway. One lucky ticket holder will be chosen during each period of the New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss game to win an amazing prize:

  • Prize #1: Special edition Utica Pioneers Teddy Bear Toss Jersey + a family membership to the Utica Zoo.
  • Prize #2: Special edition Utica Pioneers Teddy Bear Toss Jersey + two tickets to see Kane Brown in Albany, NY.
  • Prize #3: Special edition Utica Pioneers Teddy Bear Toss Jersey + $1,000 New York Sash gift certificate.

Ticket holders can enter this contest by submitting their seat information at uticateddybeartoss.com.

Event Details

The 20th annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss will take place on Saturday, December 7th at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica. The Pioneers will face off against SUNY Geneseo in what promises to be a thrilling game. The event will be broadcast live on WKTV. If you can’t attend but still want to contribute, donations can be dropped off to the New York Sash Showroom at 349 Oriskany Blvd in Whitesboro.

PLATINUM INVESTORS