The Hershey Bears hockey team has shattered their own world record in the most heartwarming way possible, collecting an incredible 102,343 teddy bears and stuffed animals during their annual Teddy Bear Toss event. The sold out crowd of 10,514 fans waited patiently until forward Mike Sgarbossa scored the first goal of the game, then unleashed what organizers called sweet cuddly mayhem as tens of thousands of plush toys rained down onto the ice in a spectacular display of generosity. This amazing total crushes the team’s previous hockey world record of 74,599 stuffed animals collected just last year, proving that this beloved tradition keeps growing bigger and more meaningful with each passing season. Every single teddy bear and stuffed animal will be donated to over 35 local charities through the Hershey Bears Cares program, bringing comfort and joy to children and families across the region.
The organizations receiving donations include Schreiber Pediatric, Vista Autism Services, local school districts, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and many other groups serving vulnerable populations in the community. In an extra generous twist, the Sweigart Family Foundation has pledged to donate money to the Children’s Miracle Network matching the exact number of stuffed animals thrown onto the ice, effectively doubling the impact of this incredible event. Since the tradition began in 2001, the Hershey Bears have collected an astounding 566,450 teddy bears, creating a legacy of compassion that transforms a simple hockey game into a powerful force for good in the community. The defending Calder Cup Champions went on to win the game 5 to 1 against the Providence Bruins, capping off a perfect day that proved sports can bring people together for purposes far greater than just competition.
