The Fort St. John Flyers announced Tuesday that it's holding three special upcoming nights including the very popular Teddy Bear Toss.
Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear to the game Dec. 10 when the Flyers take on the Spirit River Rangers.
“What happens is after the Flyers score their first goal, people get to throw their bears onto the ice,” said team president Paul van Nostrand.
“They’re then scooped up by the players and donated to the Salvation Army Hamper program.”
To keep the bears completely dry, they should be placed inside a bag large enough to protect the bears. A “kitchen catcher” bag or clear plastic bag used for recycling pop bottles and cans would be ideal. (No shopping bags, please)
The hockey club is also honouring two of the people that have helped to keep the Flyers strong over the years – Gary Reeder and Paul Leriger.
Reeder has been with the club in various roles for close to 50 years, mostly as an executive.
“We’re honouring him for his many decades of service,” said van Nostrand in a Facebook posting.
Paul, a former player and father of current coach Andrew Leriger, passed away in August 2018.
“We will be posthumously retiring Paul’s #16 in recognition of his outstanding contributions,” said the Facebook post.
Gary Reeder night will be Dec. 17 while Paul Leriger will be remembered Jan. 14.