IceHogs Collect Over 1,690 Stuffed Animals, Multiple Bins of Winter Clothing at Drive-Thru Teddy Bear Toss

ROCKFORD, Ill. – This Holiday season, the Rockford IceHogs, proud American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL), collected over 1,690 stuffed toys and over seven full bins of winter clothing donations during the team’s drive-thru Teddy Bear Toss presented by LawnCare by Walter, Inc. back on Saturday, Dec. 19 at BMO Harris Bank Center.

Hundreds of fans rolled through the BMO throughout the morning to “toss” their stuffed animals and donations from their vehicles and were greeted by Hammy, the team mascot, Chicago Blackhawks Vice President, Hockey Operations/Team Affiliates Mark Bernard, , IceHogs Head Coach Derek King, IceHogs Director of Business Operations Mike Peck and team staff.

Like many traditional Teddy Bear Tosses from seasons past, Mr. Bernard and his wife Julie donated stuffed animals through Mark’s “Bernie’s Bears” promotion and his donation was matched by a contribution from the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. All stuffed animals will support Stateline charities this holiday season.

All clothing donations benefit Miss Carly’s Place in Rockford, a 501-c3 nonprofit organization supporting both individuals and families in need in the Rockford community. For more information on Miss Carly’s Place and how to donate or volunteer, click here.

Since the team’s inception, the IceHogs have generated over 44,000 stuffed animals through the event, all of which are donated to local organizations.