Today marks a heartwarming yet thrilling tradition in the world of ice hockey—the Hershey Bears’ 25th annual Teddy Bear Toss. But here’s where it gets exciting: thousands of fans will gather, not just to cheer on their favorite team, but to witness a record-breaking moment that combines sportsmanship with compassion. The big question on everyone’s mind? Who will score the goal that sends a cascade of teddy bears raining down onto the ice? This isn’t just about hockey; it’s about making a difference in the lives of children in need across Central Pennsylvania.
This afternoon at the Giant Center, the Hershey Bears are set to host their most anticipated regular-season game of the year. The stakes are high as the team aims to shatter their own world record of 102,343 teddy bears collected last season. The event, which began in 2001, has grown into a phenomenon, with fans bringing armloads of stuffed animals to the game. Once the first goal is scored, the arena erupts into a flurry of fur and generosity as fans hurl their bears onto the ice. Players, volunteers, and even media members dive into the piles to collect the toys, which are later donated to over 60 local organizations.
And this is the part most people miss: the Teddy Bear Toss isn’t just a fun tradition—it’s a testament to the power of community. Since its inception, the Bears have collected a staggering 566,640 stuffed animals, bringing joy to countless children. The event even adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 with a drive-thru donation system, proving that nothing can stop this heartwarming tradition.
Historically, the Bears have a remarkable 16-3-0-2 record in their Teddy Bear Toss games, and the list of players who’ve scored the coveted goal reads like a who’s who of Hershey hockey legends. From Vaclav Nedorost in 2001 to Mike Sgarbossa in 2025, each player has etched their name into the team’s history. This year, all eyes are on Bogdan Trineyev, who scored the goal in 2024 and could become just the second player to achieve this feat twice. But newcomers like rookies Ilya Protas, Andrew Cristall, Eriks Mateiko, and Cam Allen are eager to make their mark.
Here’s where it gets controversial: With such a rich history, fans are divided on who will score the goal this year. Will it be a seasoned veteran or a rising star? And what about the record for the fastest goal, set by Steve Oleksy in 2014 at just 39 seconds? Could someone break that record today? These questions add an extra layer of excitement to an already electrifying event.
As the puck drops at 3 pm against the Rockford IceHogs, the anticipation will be palpable. Gabby’s Acts of Kindness has already collected 13,021 stuffed animals, setting the stage for another record-breaking year. But the real magic lies in the moment the first goal is scored, when the arena transforms into a sea of teddy bears and the spirit of giving takes center stage.
So, who do you think will score the goal this year? Will it be a repeat performance by Bogdan Trineyev, or will a rookie steal the spotlight? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your predictions and thoughts on this heartwarming tradition!
