1. Home
  2. News
  3. Florida Everblades Heartwarming Tradition Continues with the Return of Teddy Bear Toss

Florida Everblades Heartwarming Tradition Continues with the Return of Teddy Bear Toss

Tuesday, December 5th
Florida Everblades Heartwarming Tradition Continues with the Return of Teddy Bear Toss

Florida Everblades Heartwarming Tradition Continues with the Return of Teddy Bear Toss

Children from Golisano Children’s Hospital participate in designing player-worn jerseys
 

ESTERO, Fla. — The Florida Everblades are thrilled to announce the return of their cherished holiday tradition, the Teddy Bear Toss game, presented by Fifth Third Bank, scheduled for this Saturday, December 9 at 7:00pm against the South Carolina Stingrays at Hertz Arena.

Stephanie Green, South Florida Regional President of Fifth Third Bank, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “As the Official Bank of the Florida Everblades, we’re honored to present the Teddy Bear Toss once again. This heartwarming tradition allows Blades fans to support local children with Teddy Bears during the holiday season. We’re delighted to be part of this initiative.”
 
During Saturday’s game, the Everblades will don specialty-themed jerseys that were hand drawn and designed by children at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Everblades main crest logo for the teddy bear toss jersey was designed by Jayden Torres, who is a blades fan and battling a rare disease. Jayden attended last year’s Teddy Bear Toss game then was back in the hospital on the actual day the team delivered the bears to the local hospital the following week. These unique jerseys will be auctioned off to fans via Dash following the game.
 
Chris Palin, Executive Vice President, and Chief Revenue Officer for the Everblades, shared, “We’re delighted to bring back the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, an event that embodies the spirit of giving during this season of joy. Partnering with Fifth Third Bank and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation underscores our commitment to our community.”
 
Proceeds from the jersey auction will go directly to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, supporting children undergoing pediatric cancer treatment and their families while funding essential research to combat the disease. Bear Necessities is proud to co-sponsor this heartwarming event.
 
Fans are encouraged to bring or purchase stuffed animals to toss onto the ice following the first Everblades goal of the night. These stuffed animals will be donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital and various local causes, spreading cheer among children in need.
 
Kathleen Casey the President and Founder of Bear Necessities shared how truly grateful they are to be co-sponsoring the Teddy Bear Toss again this year. “We are honored for this tremendous partnership with the Florida Everblades. The outpouring of generosity from the entire community is overwhelming; when you see the Teddy Bears flying out onto the ice, chills run up and down your spine, it's very touching. The proceeds from the jersey's will greatly assist us in our mission to bring hope and joy to children and their families battling cancer. We can't begin to express our thanks! Hope to see you all there for an exciting night and a big win for the Everblades!”
 
The festivities will commence with a free tailgate featuring live music and bounce houses from 5:00-7:00 pm before Saturday’s game.
 

About Florida Everblades 

The Florida Everblades are a professional ice hockey team based in Estero, Florida, that competes in the ECHL, the professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada. The Everblades were founded in 1998 and play their home games at Hertz Arena. The Everblades' affiliates are the NHL's Florida Panthers and the AHL's Charlotte Checkers. The Everblades have won three ECHL championships, in 2012, 2022, and 2023.
 

About Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.  
  
Fifth Third Bank, National Association, is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at  www.53.com.

----

JOIN THE FUN 

The 2023-24 season ticket plans are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2023-24 season and enjoy incredible savings and benefits! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits, and options click HERE

Group Packages are available for a group of 10 or more! Everblades put FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of money or tickets and no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades' easy-to-run online Fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825. 

Grab the newest and hottest Everblades merchandise by checking out the entire collection that is available online by visiting shop.floridaeverblades.com or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop! 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Watch every Florida Everblades game on FloHockey.TV. Listen to the exciting game action on ESPN Southwest Florida on 770 AM, 98.1 FM, 104.3 FM, or online at espnswfl.com or everblades.mixlr.com. Stay up to date by following the Blades on social media with all the latest news, scores, and promotions on FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTok and Twitter.
 

The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

###

Upcoming Home Games

Full Schedule
Opening Night
Friday, October 25th
Opening Night
Puck Drops:
7:30 PM EDT
Hertz Arena
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
at
Florida Everblades
FLA Florida Everblades
Hertz Arena
Sweets in the Suites
Saturday, October 26th
Sweets in the Suites
Puck Drops:
7:00 PM EDT
Hertz Arena
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
at
Florida Everblades
FLA Florida Everblades
Hertz Arena
Lee County Schools Night
Friday, November 8th
Lee County Schools Night
Puck Drops:
7:30 PM EST
Hertz Arena
Orlando Solar Bears
ORL Orlando Solar Bears
at
Florida Everblades
FLA Florida Everblades
Hertz Arena

Latest News

More News
FLORIDA EVERBLADES ADD FOUR PLAYERS TO ROSTER
FLORIDA EVERBLADES ADD FOUR PLAYERS TO ROSTER
Everblades Agree To Terms With Kyle Neuber
Everblades Agree To Terms With Kyle Neuber
AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds Sends Down Chau, Johnson, Theisen
AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds Sends Down Chau, Johnson, Theisen

Get Hockey Updates

Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about news and upcoming games!