The Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League have an annual tradition where fans bring teddy bears and toss them on the ice after the first Hitmen goal. The bears are then donated to charity to make sure local needy kids get a teddy bear at Christmastime.

The teddy bears were especially needed this year after the heavy flooding the region experienced in June.

Over 17,000 fans packed the stadium, and when Pasha Padakin scored for the Hitmen, teddy bears rained down from the stands. It was amazing.

https://twitter.com/WHLHitmen/status/407308709505675264/

https://twitter.com/sweetesthockey/status/407289513321312256/

https://twitter.com/CCSD_edu/status/407307314756988928/

Padakin has scored on “Teddy Bear Toss” night before, making him the first Hitmen player ever to score the special goal twice.

Similar teddy bear tosses are held by other teams, including the Hershey Bears, the Bakersfield Condors, and the Erie Otters. No matter where it is held, it’s an awesome event for an awesome cause.

Also, really great call on using teddy bears. Much better than pretzels.