Teddy Bears, Panda Bears, and Golden Bears: A big weekend for Edmonton hockey

Clare Drake Arena is set for one of its most popular events of the year, as the second-annual teddy bear toss takes place at both the Pandas game on Friday night and the Golden Bears game on Saturday. Fans bring stuffed animals in good condition, place them in plastic bags, and throw them onto the ice after the first Alberta goal.

All donated bears will be handed over to the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre: an Edmonton non-profit that supports families with young children. It is a simple event, but it always fills the rink with energy. If you forget your bear, stuffed animals will also be available at the game for $10.

Golden Bears hoping to bounce back

The Golden Bears already swept the MacEwan University Griffins earlier in the year, and sit at 7-9. They have a five-game losing streak, which they hope to break against their in-city rivals. They have just faced two juggernauts: the Mount Royal University Cougars, and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

Unexpectedly, they got swept last weekend by the Trinity Western Spartans, losing the Saturday game in a shootout. The Golden Bears are hoping to break this losing streak before the Christmas break, where they can reset.

Current leaders include Dawson Davidson, with 15 assists, ranking third in the conference. Additionally, Ethan Kruger ranks third in the conference with 289 saves. They still sit comfortably in second place in the West division, but with only two points more than MacEwan, this weekend’s outcome will be important to hold that title.

Pandas search for second

Things are looking similar on the Pandas side of things, although they are trending in the right direction. The team sits at 6-10, but are currently on a three-game winning streak. On November 22, the Pandas took down the Thunderbirds 2-0, handing them their only loss of the year. This feat has Pandas fans feeling optimistic, and the team hasn’t lost since then. This weekend against the Griffins, they hope to extend their eight-point lead over them within the West division. Only a single point behind the Trinity Western Spartans, a sweep will likely mean a second-place seat.

Holly Magnus and Abby Soyko both rank top 10 in points within the conference, adding some firepower on offence. Both Mackenzie Dojahn (two) and Grace Glover (one) have shutouts, with one of Dojahn’s coming in the win against the Thunderbirds. This Pandas team has some strong chemistry, despite a recent influx of young players. If the Pandas keep this up, they will seize second place in the West division.

Bring your teddy bears and your friends, and show up to Clare Drake Arena to watch an exciting weekend of Edmonton hockey.