Members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes visited the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday to help deliver thousands of teddy bears collected during Friday's game against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
The Hurricanes beat the Tigers 4-3 at the game, which served as the team's annual Toque and Teddy Bear Toss.
In total, 4,207 stuffed toys and 1,085 toques were collected.
"Putting a smile on some kids' faces… it makes our day, makes them happy, makes us happy. I think it's just a great thing to do in general," said Hurricanes forward Brayden Edwards.
The annual hospital visit is a favourite among the players.
"I remember being that age and looking up to WHL players," said Hurricanes Captain Noah Chadwick. "Being able to give back, it's kind of a full circle moment and it just means a lot to us."
Hospital staff say the seemingly small gesture of gifting a kid with a toy can mean the world.
"Hospitals are big, scary places that smell funny," said Brandi Gaudet, a child life specialist at Chinook Regional Hospital. "It's always nice to be able to provide a comfort item."
The rest of the toys and toques collected will be distributed to charities and organizations in Lethbridge and across southern Alberta, including Lethbridge Family Services and the Blood Tribe Police Service.
