Tigers turn to teddy bear toss after tough road trip

By JAMES TUBB on November 30, 2021.

Teddy bears are about to be flying in Co-op Place.

The Medicine Hat News Teddy Bear Toss is set for this Saturday in a rematch between the Tigers and the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Medicine Hat is coming off of a lacklustre Manitoba road trip that extended their losing streak to 12. The Tabbies lost 7-4 Friday night to the Wheat Kings before falling behind early Saturday night and losing 7-2 to the Ice.

Medicine Hat was missing two-thirds of its top line in Saturday’s loss as Lukas Svejkovsky was scratched late due to illness and Corson Hopwo has been out since last Tuesday with an upper body injury and is listed as week-to-week. Tigers defenceman Ryan Nolan filled in on the wing alongside Noah Danielson and rookie Andrew Basha.

The last Teddy Bear Toss in Medicine Hat was Nov. 30, 2019, when veteran forward Brett Kemp scored the important goal. That night there were 1,725 stuffed animals and 1,085 winter wear items that were thrown on the ice and donated.

When asked last Thursday who he thought would score the big goal, Svejkovsky tabbed his linemate with the honours.

“I’m going to go with Danny (Noah Danielson), he’s getting it,” Svejkovsky said.

The Tigers home matchup with the Wheat Kings will be the first time the Manitoba team has played in the Gas City since Feb. 1, 2020.

Tigers netminder Garin Bjorklund was also asked last Thursday who he thought would score the important goal on Saturday. He said it would be him sparking the toss. After a short pause, Bjorklund laughed and offered up two names.

“I’m gonna say Lukey(Svejkovsky), or maybe Basha,” Bjorklund said.

Basha debuted last Tuesday in the a 6-2 loss to the Regina Pats and played in both contests on the Manitoba road trip.

Ahead of Saturday’s teddy bear toss, the Tigers will hit the road for Edmonton on Friday, for their third matchup with the Oil Kings.

Fans are encouraged by the team to bring stuffed animals and/or winter gear (toques, mittens, scarves, etc.) to the game. All donations will be split between the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter and the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund.

Puck drop for Saturday’s home contest against Brandon is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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