‘We hold the record’: London Knights aim to break own OHL Teddy Bear Toss mark

It's a beloved tradition, and on Wednesday the London Knights are looking to beat their own record at the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Brent Lale explains.

The London Knights Fan Club (LKFC) has its sights set on breaking their own Ontario Hockey League Teddy Bear Toss record.

“We hold the see the record at 15,926 and you know we’re aiming to beat that this year,” said Sav Neth, president of the LKFC.

“We’ve been collecting bears all year long and we have fans and the community dropping off bears and at this point we have over 6,000 bears. The love and the joy that we’re going to give those kids will be incredible,” he added.

When the Knights score their first goal Wednesday at Canada Life Place against the Kitchener Rangers, the ice will be flooded with stuffed animals.

“It’s a great annual tradition,” said Alex Brown, director of marketing for the London Knights. “A lot of excitement, both on the bench and on the stands about who is going to score that goal and bring the bears down. Landon Sim – during his time here - scored two of them.”

The Knights partner with two local organizations, who benefit from the annual event.

“London McDonalds’ get involved and the proceeds of the 50/50 [draw] go to Ronald McDonald House for each annual Teddy Bear Toss game,” explained Brown. “The bears themselves go to the Salvation Army, so they’re a great partner. They come on site to help us facilitate the bears getting off the ice and into their hands so that they can send those over to the community, out of the Christmas time.”

The LKFC is excited for all their hard work to pay off and help support the community.

“I hear stories of, ‘I got 60 bears coming, I got 50,’” said Neth. “Others say ‘I’ve been collecting, I’ve been fundraising, I’ve been hearing kids are spending birthday money to make this event possible.’ So truly the fans are the people that make this all possible.”

It’s work that doesn’t go unnoticed by the Knights.

“In moments like this, they support the community in a large way,” said Brown. “It’s crazy the amount of effort and the volunteers and people that Sav and others that put into this to make it happen. It’s a special fan club. Last year was just under 16,000 and every year you want to go a little bit bigger and a little bit better. We’re hopeful.”