Hockey players are teddy bears once a year. Cincinnati Cyclones host Teddy Bear Toss

Erin Couch, Cincinnati Enquirer
·1 min read
Fans threw approximately 4,000 stuffed animals onto the Cincinnati Cyclones' rink at the team's annual Teddy Bear Toss event on Jan. 6, 2018. This Saturday's event will donate the toys to Matthew 25 Ministries, as well as Cincinnati police and fire departments.
Fans threw approximately 4,000 stuffed animals onto the Cincinnati Cyclones' rink at the team's annual Teddy Bear Toss event on Jan. 6, 2018. This Saturday's event will donate the toys to Matthew 25 Ministries, as well as Cincinnati police and fire departments.

Each January, Cincinnati Cyclones players share the rink with a bunch of stuffed teddy bears.

The Cyclones are hosting their annual Teddy Bear Toss event Saturday as they face off against the Toledo Walleye. After the team scores its first goal, audience members are encouraged to throw a new or gently used stuffed animal onto the rink.

It's a peculiar way to celebrate a point. But the professional hockey team is doing it for a good cause.

Animals will be donated to Matthew 25 Ministries for children in need, as well as the Cincinnati police and fire departments. First responders need to stock up each year, as they give the animals to children in traumatic situations to calm them.

The Cyclones will also don their throwback inspired red jerseys during the game. The uniforms have been featured during warm-ups this season.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Bank Center, located at 100 Broadway in downtown Cincinnati.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Cyclones hockey team to host Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday