Sunday’s annual Teddy Bear Toss was the most successful in Calgary Hitmen history, as 29,635 stuffed toys filled the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Hitmen forward Kaden Elder scored on a breakaway just 4:18 into the first period, triggering the teddy bear toss.

 

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Each stuffed animal was counted one-by-one by over 100 volunteers.

Fans weren’t able to beat the Hershey Bears’ new world record set earlier this month (they piled up 34,798), but it did set a new franchise record, beating the 28,815 thrown in 2015.

“On behalf of the Hitmen organization we would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all fans and The Brick for making today a success,” said Hitmen vice president Mike Moore. “These bears collected will impact the Calgary community in a significant way.”

Nearly 70 local agencies, including the Salvation Army, Calgary Food Bank, Siksika Nation, and Hospice Calgary will benefit from the stuffed toys. The Brick also pledged to donate 25 cents for every bear tossed to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, for a total of $7,408.75.

Since the inaugural toss in 1995, the Hitmen have provided the community with 377,583 teddy bears.

We have a new franchise record!!! 29,635 is the new number surpassing 2015's total of 28,815! Thank you Calgary for helping over 70 local charities!! 🧸

And thank you to @TheBrick for donating $7,408.75 to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation! ➡️ https://t.co/Qq90h53rJ0 pic.twitter.com/oK3mOnivYi

— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) December 10, 2018

The Hitmen also wore special red-themed teddy bear jerseys with snow-capped numbers that will be sold in an online auction. Fans can bid on the jerseys along with five team-signed helmets, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network.

Calgary went on to win the game, beating the Kamloops Blazers 6-3, to improve their record to 14-14-2-1.

 

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