The Florida Everblades are back on their home ice, hosting the Jacksonville Icemen on Saturday night, but it's an extra special game — the Teddy Bear Toss !
Every year, thousands of fans fill Hertz Arena with stuffed animals in hand, ready to do their part to give back to kids in need.
"Everybody brings a teddy bear to the game and when we got the game's first goal, you just throw it on the ice," said Blades forward Oliver Chau.
"Seeing thousands of teddy bears rain onto the ice, it's really one of the coolest experiences," said Blades forward Logan Lambdin.
After relishing the moment, Swampee and the gang scoop up all the toys and pack them up to find their new homes. The Everblades will then trade their skates for Santa hats and head to Golisano's Children's Hospital on Monday to deliver early Christmas presents to the patients.
"It's for a great cause," said Chau. "During the holidays, they have to spend most their time in the hospitals, which is obviously terrible. So, just to even brighten their day up a little bit. Just, it means the world to us. Means the world to them."
"Being able to put a smile on their face is one of the best feelings," said Lambdin.
The Blades also donate proceeds from a jersey auction to benefit Bear Necessities.
So don't miss out on all the fun. Grab a toy, head to the rink and help cheer on the Blades!
Puck drop on Saturday, Dec. 7, is at 7 p.m. for the Everblades and Icemen.