The Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings are kicking off the holiday season by getting all decked out for their annual Teddy Bear Toss game.
The Oil Kings launched the latest edition of their Teddy Bear Toss game jerseys on Thursday, November 21, and they’ll wear them in their game against the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday, November 24, at Rogers Place.
This year’s jerseys are designed to look like a Christmas tree, with pine needles, ornaments and multicolored lights all over the front, back and sleeves. The Oil Kings logo on the chest is topped with snow. Gold and silver tinsel stripes run around the waist and the sleeves, while thinner gold tinsel trims the collar and shoulder yoke. A teddy bear wearing a crown sits just above the waist on the left side of the jersey.
The tree theme continues on the socks, where gold and silver tinsel again run around each leg. The jerseys will be paired with the Oil Kings’ usual blue pants and gloves.
Along with the tinsel, the team in bringing the bling to the back of the jerseys, too. The numbers on the back and sleeves are a metallic, sparkling silver with red outlines. The nameplates on the back are red with silver lettering.
Game-worn jerseys will be raffled off during Sunday’s game, with proceeds benefitting Santas Anonymous, a local children’s Christmas charity. All the stuffed toys thrown onto the ice after the Oil Kings score their first goal will also be donated to Santas Anonymous.
Since starting their Teddy Bear Toss tradition in 2007, the Oil Kings have collected more than 160,000 stuffed toys and raised more than $200,000 for charity.
Last season, the Oil Kings were covered head-to-toe in teddy bears for the game, while in 2021, they honored frontline workers with their Teddy Bear Toss jerseys.
Puck drop on Sunday is at 4 p.m. MT. A limited number of tickets are still available through the Oil Kings’ website. Fans are asked to bring multiple stuffed toys in clear plastic bags to throw on the ice. Bags will also be available free of charge at the arena.