Hockey fans hurl toys Friday to help spread holiday cheer
Fans at the Edmonton Oil Kings game Friday tossed thousands of stuffed toys onto the ice for families in need this holiday season. (Galan McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)
Nearly 15,000 stuffed toys hit the ice at Rogers Place Friday night for the Edmonton Oil Kings Teddy Bear Toss.
The home team's Landon Hanson scored the teddy-triggering goal against the Everett Silvertips from Washington.
"I think it always catches me off guard," Angel Benedict, 630 CHED Santas Anonymous executive director, said. "It's just pure excitement. You start seeing the bears coming down and then you get to the ice and they just never stop, and it's so amazing."
Last year's toss broke the previous year's record with 12,000 bears, but Benedict was hopeful the high turnout for the game would help supass last year's haul.
"I saw so many people with many bears in their arms and many bears in a bag," she added.
Santa Clause and 49 of his "elves" helped collect and count the bears. When they finished, there were around 3,000 more bears than the 2022 toss.
Fifty volunteers helped collect and count nearly 15,000 stuffed toys Friday night after the Oil Kings 16th annual Teddy Bear Toss. (Galan McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)The stuffed animals will be combined with a book and other toys to make gift packages, which will be handed out to families on Dec. 16.
"We're serving tens of thousands of kids in our community, we have thousands of families that are asking us for help," she said. "It's hard."
The 630 CHED team has collected nearly 163,000 stuffed toys since the first Oil Kings' Teddy Bear Toss in 2008. Benedict says it's an essential event in ensuring families in need get that support over the holidays.
"Twenty-five percent of our gift package is actually taken care of by this game here," she added. "There's going to be over 20,000 kids, because of this game and some leftovers from last year, who are going to have a bear to snuggle on Christmas night at home."
The Oil Kings beat the Everett Silvertips 5-3.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India trashes Canada for linking home minister to Sikh activist plot
India officially protested on Saturday the Canadian government's allegation that the country's powerful home minister Amit Shah had ordered the targeting of Sikh activists inside Canada, calling it 'absurd and baseless.'
Vancouver quietly proclaimed Chip Wilson Day as billionaire installed sign calling B.C. NDP 'communist'
On the same day Chip Wilson erected a controversial sign at his Vancouver mansion, the city was quietly honouring the billionaire and his wife.
Man says it's 'surreal' that officials euthanized pet squirrel Peanut
A man who took in an orphaned squirrel and made it a social media star vowed Saturday that New York state's decision to seize and euthanize the animal 'won't go unheard.'
The impact of Trump's lies in Springfield, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio was once a manufacturing hub. Now, people know it for Trump's comments at September's presidential debate, when he famously - and falsely - told an audience of 67 million people that Haitians eat their pets, echoing claims that had circulated on social media.
Americans in Canada cast ballot ahead of U.S. election
Stephen Winters says watching the U.S. election campaign from Canada as a dual citizen is like a parent watching their kid play sports.
Iran's supreme leader threatens Israel, U.S. with 'a crushing response' over Israeli attack
Iran's supreme leader on Saturday threatened Israel and the U.S. with 'a crushing response' over attacks on Iran and its allies.
Local sheriff asks FBI to investigate death of Black man found hanging in Alabama
The FBI is investigating the death of a Black man in Alabama, who was found hanging in an abandoned house, following a request from a local sheriff amid fears among community members who accuse local law enforcement of longstanding, unchecked misconduct.
Kamala Harris slams GOP on manufacturing as she and Donald Trump hunt for votes on final weekend
Kamala Harris on Saturday criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for suggesting that Republicans might cut government subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing as she and Republican Donald Trump embarked on one last weekend quest to round up every possible vote in the battleground states that will determine the next president.
Who is Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead Britain's Conservative Party?
The first Black woman to lead a major U.K. political party, Kemi Badenoch is an upbeat and outspoken libertarian who thinks the British state is broken.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Calgary
-
CTV Calgary broadcast legend Darrel Janz dies at 83
He inspired thousands of young journalists and continued telling Calgarians' stories until his last days.
-
Calgary community group pitches crosswalk that honours veterans in east Calgary
A local organization wants to establish a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of Canadians in war.
-
Flames' Vladar enjoys shutout performance against old goaltending partner Markstrom
Dan Vladar matched up for the first time against his old goaltending partner Jacob Markstrom, and he won in style with a shutout.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge County, nearby municipalities reach new emergency management partnership
Lethbridge County and the towns of Coalhurst, Nobleford and Picture Butte and the village of Barons have signed a new regional emergency management partnership agreement.
-
City of Lethbridge's snow route season begins; crews prepare for arrival of winter weather
As overnight temperatures continue to dip below freezing, the City of Lethbridge has launched its second annual snow route season ahead of winter.
-
Pronghorns athletic program brings back safe ride program with a new name
The University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics Annual Safe Ride Home campaign is making a return this year, but with a new name.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. father 'not satisfied' with autopsy report, believes son was murdered
A Saskatchewan father is disappointed with the results from an autopsy, conducted on his son's body.
-
Saskatoon police warn of potentially fatal cocaine after two suspected overdose deaths linked to the substance
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is issuing a public warning about a potentially fatal batch of cocaine circulating in the city.
-
'Sorry bro, but I gotta shoot you': Family speaks out after man was shot and robbed north of Prince Albert
The family of a man shot and seriously injured at a jobsite 14 kilometres north of Prince Albert late last week is speaking out.
Regina
-
Advance polling stations open in Regina, city officials hope for more voter turnout
Advance polling stations for the Regina civic election opened Friday morning.
-
RCMP looking for 2 men after 'serious assaults' in Swift Current
Swift Current RCMP are looking for two men after a 'serious assault' in the city early Tuesday morning.
-
Sask. father 'not satisfied' with autopsy report, believes son was murdered
A Saskatchewan father is disappointed with the results from an autopsy, conducted on his son's body.
Vancouver
-
B.C. deluge shows why cities struggle to keep up with extreme rain
Heavy rain isn't unusual for the community of Deep Cove in North Vancouver, but when Ashifa Saferali saw an e-bike floating down the middle of the street she knew this storm was something different.
-
Vancouver quietly proclaimed Chip Wilson Day as billionaire installed sign calling B.C. NDP 'communist'
On the same day Chip Wilson erected a controversial sign at his Vancouver mansion, the city was quietly honouring the billionaire and his wife.
-
'It's not enough to play well': Whitecaps aim for top form against LAFC
A good game is no longer enough for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Heading into a do-or-die playoff matchup against Los Angeles FC on Sunday, the 'Caps know they need to be at their best.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. deluge shows why cities struggle to keep up with extreme rain
Heavy rain isn't unusual for the community of Deep Cove in North Vancouver, but when Ashifa Saferali saw an e-bike floating down the middle of the street she knew this storm was something different.
-
B.C. mother vindicated by coroner re-classifying daughter’s death as homicide
A Vancouver Island woman who refused to accept her daughter died of an accidental overdose is relieved the record has been set straight.
-
Deer kills dog in backyard near Victoria, prompting warning from police
Police on southern Vancouver Island are issuing a warning about the dangers of deer rutting season after a dog was gored to death by a buck earlier this week.
Toronto
-
2 more people charged in connection with fatal Brampton shooting in August
Police charged two more people in connection with a fatal shooting that happened in Brampton back in August.
-
Man seriously injured in Mississauga stabbing: paramedics
A man is in serious, life-threatening condition following a stabbing in Mississauga, paramedics say.
-
Americans in Canada cast ballot ahead of U.S. election
Stephen Winters says watching the U.S. election campaign from Canada as a dual citizen is like a parent watching their kid play sports.
Montreal
-
Anti-suicide religious group files constitutional challenge against Waterloo, Que.
A Quebec religious group has filed a constitutional challenge against the municipality of Waterloo after it ticketed one of its members for going door-to-door to share its message about suicide prevention.
-
Concerns about future of Vaudreuil-Hudson Exo line after REM opens in West Island
The head of Montreal’s commuter train operator, Exo, says once the REM begins running in the West Island, the Vaudreuil-Hudson train line will see a 15-20 per cent decrease in ridership.
-
Daylight saving time in Quebec: When do the clocks fall back?
It's that time of year again when we turn the clocks backward and gain that extra hour of much needed sleep.
Atlantic
-
Decision not to print voter cards for N.S. election 'short-sighted': seniors advocate
A seniors advocacy group says it is very concerned about a decision by Nova Scotia's elections agency not to mail voter information cards because of the threat of a postal strike.
-
Dieppe’s Champlain mall sold to Montreal-based company
Montreal-based company Westcliff Management, a privately owned real estate development and management company, officially own Dieppe’s Champlain Place Mall as of Halloween.
-
Yarmouth RCMP investigating sudden deaths of two people known to each other
The RCMP in Yarmouth, N.S., is investigating the sudden deaths of two people known to each other.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba RCMP identify infant human remains, asking public for help with investigation
Manitoba RCMP are looking for more information after the remains of an infant were identified.
-
Manitoba premier says he'll listen to Winnipeg's requests for new tax powers
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is not making any commitments on possible new municipal taxes in Winnipeg.
-
Spilling the tea on the popularity, benefits and uses of the beverage
As the weather begins to cool down across Manitoba, it’s the perfect time to cozy up under a blanket with a nice, warm cup of tea.
Ottawa
-
Mayor Sutcliffe announces 10 new initiatives to improve the quality of life for rural Ottawa residents
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced 10 new initiatives to improve the quality of life for rural communities at the Rural Summit 2024 Saturday.
-
Rusty thumb tack found in mini chocolate bar after trick-or-treating in eastern Ontario: OPP
A rusty thumb tack was found in a mini chocolate bar after trick-or-treating in eastern Ontario, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE NCC lowered ice thickness standard to push Rideau Canal Skateway open in February
Internal documents show the National Capital Commission took what it called a 'manageable risk' to lower the standard for what qualifies as thick enough ice in order to squeeze a few more skating days into the Rideau Canal Skateway season.
Northern Ontario
-
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.
-
Several injuries after baseball bat attack in Kirkland Lake, Ont.
Two people have been charged after a group of people were attacked with a baseball bat last month in Kirkland Lake.
-
Warning after candy given out from a car in the Sault was tampered with
Police in Sault Ste. Marie say a suspect in a vehicle gave out Halloween candy that appears to have been tampered with.
Barrie
-
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.
-
Information about home invasion suspects released
Southern Georgian Bay OPP have released information about three suspects who were allegedly involved in a Tay Township home invasion on Friday, October 25.
-
Couple angry after court delays results in a conditional sentence for man responsible for their son's death
Christina and Troy Durocher are still struggling to come to terms with how the justice system handled the death of their son two and a half years ago.
Kitchener
-
Erick Buhr represents himself, asks jury to find him not guilty in grandmother’s death
Erick Buhr has asked the jury to find him not guilty in his grandmother Viola Erb’s death.
-
Tow truck operator seriously injured outside his vehicle in North Dumfries: police
Waterloo Regional Police say charges are anticipated after a tow truck operator was seriously injured helping a disabled vehicle on the side of Trussler Road in North Dumfries Friday afternoon.
-
Needle and toothpick found in two separate chocolate bars in Cambridge
Waterloo Regional Police are warning the public after two separate chocolate bars were found lodged with a needle and toothpick in Cambridge.
London
-
WPS calling for public assistance in fatal collision
The Woodstock Police Service is looking for public help in a fatal vehicle collision investigation.
-
Former Knights player files $20 million lawsuit against ex-representation
Former London Knights player, Alex Formenton, has filed a lawsuit against his ex-representation.
-
Police seek suspect in $70,000 break and enter
Lambton County OPP are investigating a break and enter in Plympton-Wyoming worth more than $70,000.
Windsor
-
Pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries following vehicle collision
A pedestrian has suffered life-threatening injuries after a collision with a vehicle.
-
Windsor mayor supports notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is joining forces with eleven other Ontario mayors in urging Premier Doug Ford to empower municipalities to take stronger action against homelessness, including the potential use of the notwithstanding clause in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
-
Americans in Canada cast ballot ahead of U.S. election
Stephen Winters says watching the U.S. election campaign from Canada as a dual citizen is like a parent watching their kid play sports.
