Tigers fired up for Saturday’s Teddy Bear Toss

By Ryan McCracken on December 2, 2017.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

Get those throwing arms ready, it’s time to toss some teddies.

The team-wide speculation has begun as to which member of the Medicine Hat Tigers will pot Saturday’s coveted Teddy Bear Toss goal against the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Canalta Centre, and reigning scorer Max Gerlach says he’s hoping it will come as the first of someone’s season, or even their career.

“There are a couple who come up right away. A lot of guys think Linus Nassen is going to get his first one of the year, which would be exciting. We’ve talked about someone I’ve been playing with, Henry Rybinski, he’s due for his first of the year,” said Gerlach. “I think Dalton Gally, the other Texas kid on the team is going to pot this one. He’s had a couple good looks from the point, a couple slappers, so I hope he buries it.”

Gerlach was lucky enough to follow the bears from the ice to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, where the team’s leadership group and the lucky goal-scorer distribute the bears to children in the pediatric wing —an experience Gerlach says was truly eye-opening.

“It really puts things into perspective,” said Gerlach. “Those kids are in way harsher conditions than we are when we think we’re bumped and bruised from the game. It just shows how lucky and fortunate we are to be in the situation we’re in. I think all of us kind of take health for granted.”

Tigers defenceman David Quenneville added the banter is likely to intensify in the hours leading up to Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. puck drop, and with any luck, he’ll be the one celebrating as the teddies pour over the glass.

“Guys will be chirping each other today about who wants it,” he said. “It’s always a fun game to play in and we always want to see those teddy bears drop. It always goes to a good cause, and hopefully maybe it’s my turn this year.”

The Tigers won’t be the only ones making it rain teddy bears this weekend, as Medicine Hat Minor Hockey will hold a Teddy Bear Toss of its own on Sunday night. The Medicine Hat peewee Knights and Canadiens will square off at the Canalta Centre at 7:30 p.m. for a pint-sized, but equally heartfelt rendition of the event.

10
-9