Hershey Bears Toss 81,796 Teddy Bears in Record-Setting Charity Blizzard

The Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League once again hosted their iconic “Teddy Bear Toss,” a beloved charity tradition where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the team scores its first goal.

During Sunday’s game against the Rockford IceHogs, defenseman Louie Belpedio’s first-period goal triggered a downpour of 81,796 teddy bears and plush toys, bringing the event’s 24-year total to an incredible 648,246 donations since its inception in 2001.

While this year’s haul didn’t break the team’s own world record of 102,343 set in 2025, it solidified the event as one of sports’ best promotions, with all collected items set to be distributed to over 60 local children’s charities through the Hershey Bears Cares program, capping off a 5-2 victory in front of a sold-out arena.