Regardless of the results on the ice this weekend, the most positive takeaway from the Denver-Minnesota Duluth series will be what happens during the second intermission of Saturday's game. In partnership with CBS4, the Denver Pioneers will host their third-annual Teddy Bear Toss as a kick off to the Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive.

After a successful first two seasons, the Teddy Bear Toss returns to Magness Arena to aid the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver during the holiday season and serve as a reminder that there are more important things than what happens between the whistles. During the second intermission of Saturday's game, fans will be prompted to throw new teddy bears on the ice to be donated following the game. 

"There are so many great causes going on at this time of year and it is great for our program to partner with CBS4 in supporting our community," Richard and Kitzia Goodman Head Coach David Carle said. 

The Teddy Bear Toss begins a month-long toy drive. After Saturday's game, there will be toy drops at every Denver Athletics and Newman Center event thru Dec. 19. Additionally, there will be a Community Shop 'n Drop on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., hosted by the Denver Cheerleading squad at the circle drive on the north side of the Ritchie Center.

"CBS4 is delighted to work with the University of Denver again this year to help collect toys for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver," Walt DeHaven, CBS4 General Manager said. "The Together 4 Colorado toy drive is a great way to provide kids in our community, whose families may not be able to buy presents this season, with a holiday gift."

The Pioneers join a contingent of professional, collegiate and junior hockey teams hosting a teddy bear toss. In 2015, the Calgary Hitmen (Western Hockey League) in Calgary, Alberta set the record for bears thrown on the ice with more than 28,800 bears. While prospects of the Pioneers breaking Calgary's record are slim, the ultimate goal of creating a warmer holiday season for the Denver community is only a toss away.
 
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