The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, proud AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, were excited to announce that thanks to the incredible support from the Lehigh Valley fans, they were able to collect and donate 10,091 teddy bears and stuffed animals for Valley Youth House at the team’s 2019 Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Dan’s Camera City, held Saturday, December 14th at PPL Center. The mark smashes the previous record, which the Phantoms set last year with 7,148. All of the stuffed animals were counted and then delivered to Valley Youth House for distribution to children across the Lehigh Valley.

“The entire Phan Nation again showed their incredible support for the Lehigh Valley this past weekend,” said Phantoms Executive Vice President, Chris Porreca. “They threw, pushed and launched over 10,000 stuffed animals onto the ice in support of our annual Teddy Bear Toss. What a great night and the ability to deliver these to the Valley Youth House is an awesome experience. Thanks to all who helped support us!”

Over the past six seasons, Phantoms fans have now donated more than 30,800 teddy bears and stuffed animals through the Teddy Bear Toss (1,728 in 2014, 2,773 in 2015, 4,125 in 2016, 4,970 in 2017 and 7,148 in 2018).

“To be able to give our youth teddy bears and stuffed animals to put smiles on their faces and comfort them in their time of need is really special.  We are so appreciative of all the of the support from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, PPL Center, Dan’s Camera City, & 1800-GOT-JUNK and all those who donated during the Teddy Bear Toss! Thank you!”, said Emily Conners, Development Officer, Valley Youth House.

Phantoms defenseman Chris Bigras scored this year’s teddy-bear-toss goal just 1:22 into Saturday’s game to bring the stuffed animals raining down at PPL Center. Assists on the goal went to Kurtis Gabriel and Nate Prosser. All three of the players that produced the goal that sent the bears flying were on hand to help with the delivery at Valley Youth House. They were able to deliver more than four 1-800-GOT-JUNK truck loads full of stuffed animals.

The Phantoms have now seen six different players score the teddy-bear-toss goal over the past six years: Brett Hextall (2014), Andrew MacDonald (2015), Nic Aube-Kubel (2016), Matt Read (2017), Connor Bunnaman (2018) and Chris Bigras (2019).

We are so grateful for the support from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, PPL Center, Dan’s Camera City, & 1800-GOT-JUNK and all those who donated!

Event Photos & Videos:

LV Phantoms article

“Teddy Bear Toss Delivery” Video – SECTV 

View more pictures and videos on the LV Phantoms social media pages.