BERNARD TO DONATE TEDDY BEARS TO CHARITY

Rockford, Ill. – High scoring affairs have always pleased fans and now there’s more reason to pull for the Rockford IceHogs to score more goals. Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard has once again launched the “Bernie’s Bears” initiative, where he will make a donation to charity for every goal the IceHogs score.

Beginning on Nov. 1 and leading up to the IceHogs annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, Dec. 12, Bernard and his wife Julie, will donate a stuffed animal to charity for every goal the Hogs score during the stretch. The IceHogs have recorded 20 goals since the beginning of the month.

All fans are encouraged to participate in the annual Teddy Bear toss game by bringing a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game. Then, after the IceHogs score their first goal during the Dec. 12 game against Grand Rapids, fans are encouraged to throw the stuffed animals onto the ice. The furry friends are then collected and donated to local hospitals and charities.

Last season the IceHogs and their generous fan base donated 2,259 bears for charity. To date, the IceHogs have accumulated 21,957 teddy bears for local charities.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Nov. 22 vs. Lake Erie at 4 p.m. The IceHogs face Lake Erie for the first time all season on Stanley Cup Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Rockford will celebrate its alumni and the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks by displaying the Cup for fans in attendance. Hub Printing will give away 2,500 posters celebrating the Blackhawks championships.