Video shows 'sweet, cuddly mayhem’ unfold at Hershey Bears game

It's not every day thousands of teddy bears are catapulted into an ice hockey rink.

But Sunday, Jan. 4 was different for Hershey Bears fans during the annual "Teddy Bear Toss" event. The "sweet, cuddly mayhem" unfolded moments after the American Hockey League team scored their first goal against the Rockford IceHogs.

Advertisement

According to the Hershey Bears, defenseman Louie Belpedio scored the goal at 2:55 of the first period, giving the team a 1-0 lead and triggering the downpour of toys.

Watch ‘sweet, cuddly mayhem’ unfold at ice rink

About 81,796 stuffed animals, including teddy bears, were collected by players after the toss, raising the total count to 648,246 since 2001, the year of the inaugural toss. In 2025, the Bears reached a "world hockey Teddy Bear Toss record," collecting 102,343 stuffed animals that year.

Just like previous years, all of the toys collected will be distributed to local charities as part of the club's Hershey Bears Cares program, where they will go to children in need.

After all of the toys were cleared off the ice, the team declared victory over the IceHogs, winning 5-2.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch ‘sweet, cuddly mayhem’ unfold at ice rink