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    Kevin Bartechko
    Kevin Bartechko
    Jan 5, 2025, 22:00

    Mike Sgarbossa scored the goal that sent thousands of teddy bears onto the ice for the Capitals' AHL affiliate.

    Mike Sgarbossa scored the goal that sent thousands of teddy bears onto the ice for the Capitals' AHL affiliate.

    HERSHEY — GIANT Center, the home of the Washington Capitals' AHL affiliate Hershey Bears that sits right near Hersheypark, was even sweeter on Sunday, as the team held its annual Teddy Bear Toss.

    Mike Sgarbossa scored the game-opening goal for Hershey, which sent thousands of stuffed animals onto the ice surface. The Hockey News' Kevin Bartechko was live in Hershey to record what the Bears called "sweet, cuddly mayhem."

    Here was the goal:

    After that, the players took the time to celebrate on the ice, jumping into the piles of teddy bears, taking pictures and spending time with each other and family and friends.

    Here are some of the best scenes from the toss. It took over 40 minutes to clean up the bears, but it was well worth it. Per the team, 102,343 stuffed animals were thrown onto the ice and donated, a new record that beats out the 74,599 collected last year.