Lehigh Valley Phantoms to Host Teddy Bear Toss

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms will hold their Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday December 12 when they take on the Springfield Falcons at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Following the Phantoms first goal of the game, fans are encouraged to throw new or lightly used teddy bears onto the ice. The bears will then be collected to be donated to Valley Youth House. Valley Youth House will then distribute them to children throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Phantoms Executive Vice President, Chris Porreca said on the team’s website, “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Valley Youth House for our second Teddy Bear Toss here in Lehigh Valley.” He added, “Their commitment to improving the lives of children in the Lehigh Valley is in perfect alignment with what the Teddy Bear Toss is about.”

Last season at the team’s inaugural Teddy Bear Toss, the team collected 1,728 bears and stuffed animals. Fans had to wait until the second period though as the Phantoms’ first goal last season, on the night of the Teddy Bear Toss, was scored just over six minutes into the middle frame after Brett Hextall found the back of the net.

Valley Youth House, founded in 1973 with the mission to empower and strengthen the lives of children, youths and families through programming that helps build resiliency and fosters growth and independence. More information about Valley Youth House can be found at their website, www.valleyyouthhouse.org.

Christina Schoemaker, Vice President of Development and Marketing at Valley Youth House said on the Phantoms’ website, “Valley Youth House is thrilled to be partnering with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the second consecutive year as the recipient of the Teddy Bear Toss.”

She added, “Last year Valley Youth House received over 1700 stuffed animals which brought smiles and so much cheer for the holidays to the children and youth served by our mission.”

It might be tough to match the number of teddy bears that the Western Hockey League’s, Calgary Hitmen, collected this past Sunday, as 28,815 made their way onto the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Following the game against the Falcons on Saturday night, fans will also get the chance to skate on the ice with their Phantoms stars.