SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Thunderbirds set a new franchise record Saturday night by collecting 8,048 stuffed animals during the 10th Annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas at the MassMutual Center.

All donated bears will be distributed to underprivileged youth throughout Springfield and Western Massachusetts ahead of the holiday season.

The avalanche of teddy bears was set in motion by Jakub Stancl’s first goal of the night, which began a three-goal performance. This moment ignited the sellout crowd of 6,793 fans—whose attendance helped fuel the record donation—and sent thousands of stuffed animals flying onto the ice in one of the most anticipated traditions of the season.

The celebration will continue off the ice this week as Thunderbirds players, mascot Boo

See Full Page