As the weather cools down and the holiday season rapidly approaches, the Ice Hockey team from West Essex and James Caldwell are introducing a new event to help contribute to a good cause: toys for families in need.
On Dec. 22, West Essex is hosting a Teddy Bear Toss to donate teddy bears and other stuffed animals to kids. The Teddy Bear Toss originated in Hershey, Pa. where fans would bring stuffed animals to throw on the ice that would later be collected for charities. Numerous hockey leagues adapted this as a holiday promotion, and while this concept hasn’t been widely brought to the high school level yet, West Essex is able to do so due to the circumstances of Codey Arena; Coach Tim Shea is happy to take advantage of the opportunity.
“A big thing is that a lot of rinks have nets that go all the way around the rink to keep the puck and protect the fans, where Codey Arena doesn’t have that,” Shea said. “We have the opportunity to do it, and it’s a unique event.”
Shea says he fell in love with the Teddy Bear Toss as a way to help the less fortunate, but also to help the team grow and create a fun experience for the team and the crowd. The team looks to engage everybody at the event and also to get more people involved with hockey and their team.
The Hockey Knights are also celebrating alumni night on Dec. 22 in hopes of growing the event even further. Last year, West Essex saw many former players at alumni night, and they hope to get a similar turnout this year.
“We hope to see all the alumni there,” Shea said. “Last year we had a whole bunch…30-40 people showed up from all different graduating years.”
While the Teddy Bear Toss is just being introduced at this level, Shea and the Hockey Knights are hoping to make this a big event, and they have been trying to get many involved, contacting others to get the word out and reach many in the community.
“I’m gonna reach out to some local newspapers and plant the idea with them as well,” Shea said. “The more people we can get, the better.”
Shea and the players are hoping to make this a big, annual event that can continue for years to come. He said this could be the perfect opportunity to create an exciting night and give back to the community.
“It really is a whole family event where the kids can enjoy,” Shea said. “It promotes the players, promotes the team and makes more people aware we have a team.”
Players are also looking forward to Dec. 22, a fun and charitable night, with multiple West Essex hockey players ready to participate.
“I think it’s good to draw attention to our games, and it’s even better because it’s for a great cause,” junior ice hockey player Connor Maniscalco said.
