A teddy bear toss game is a commonly utilized promotion by hockey teams around the world. Fans bring teddy bears to the game and throw them over the glass following the game’s first goal.
However, Sunday’s Ontario Hockey League game between the Ottawa 67’s and Barrie Colts didn’t provide the heartwarming moment many anticipated as teddy bears rained down on the ice.
Midway through the second period of Sunday’s contest, 67’s forward Luca Pinelli scored the first goal, and that led to a barrage of teddy bears being launched onto the ice for the sake of charity. While the teddy bears were landing on the ice, the two teams began to engage in one of hockey’s most entertaining traditions: a line brawl.
Several players were getting physical and some even fell onto the ice doing so. It was a scene that fans would have to see to believe since “The Grinch” was even skating in the background of the fracas.
When the dust settled, a total of 52 penalty minutes were awarded to both teams. Six minor penalties and four game misconducts ended up being handed out in a game the Colts won, 2-1.
It’s not often a teddy bear toss game turns physical, but this wasn’t the only chaos in such a game in the OHL this week.
On Wednesday, Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa was handed a one-game suspension for shooting objects out of the playing surface. Misa could be seen lifting teddy bears with his stick over the glass against the Sarnia Sting, who were hosting their annual teddy bear toss game.
According to the OHL rulebook, intentionally throwing objects off the ice and into the crowd results in a game misconduct.
Misa is regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft. He currently leads the OHL in points (55) and goals (27) this season.
During a recent Ontario Hockey League game, a line brawl erupted during the highly anticipated Teddy Bear Toss event. The annual tradition, where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal, took a chaotic turn as players from both teams engaged in a heated altercation.
The incident occurred in the second period of the game between the Kingston Frontenacs and the Oshawa Generals. After the Frontenacs scored their first goal of the game, fans began showering the ice with teddy bears of all shapes and sizes. However, what was meant to be a joyful and heartwarming moment quickly turned into a violent confrontation between the players.
It is unclear what sparked the brawl, but tensions were running high on both sides. Players from both teams began exchanging punches and shoving each other, resulting in a chaotic scene that lasted several minutes. Referees and officials rushed onto the ice to break up the fight and restore order, but not before several players were ejected from the game.
The Teddy Bear Toss event is a beloved tradition in hockey, meant to spread holiday cheer and raise awareness for charitable causes. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game and toss them onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal. The toys are then collected and donated to local charities to be distributed to children in need.
Unfortunately, the spirit of giving and goodwill was overshadowed by the violence that erupted during this particular event. The OHL has since launched an investigation into the incident and is expected to hand down disciplinary action to those involved.
While fights and altercations are not uncommon in hockey, especially at the junior level, it is important for players to remember that they are role models for young fans and should conduct themselves with sportsmanship and respect. The Teddy Bear Toss event should be a time for celebration and generosity, not aggression and hostility.
In conclusion, the line brawl that erupted during the Teddy Bear Toss event at the OHL game was a disappointing and unfortunate incident. It serves as a reminder to players and fans alike to uphold the values of sportsmanship and goodwill, even in the heat of competition. Let us hope that future events will be free from such incidents and that the true spirit of giving can shine through.
