WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings Turn Stuffies Loose on City for Teddy Bear Toss Jerseys

Edmonton? More like Ted-monton, amirite?

The Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings will continue their long-standing Teddy Bear Toss tradition when they host the Prince Albert Raiders on Sunday, December 7. In anticipation of that game, though, they unveiled the latest version of their Teddy Bear Toss jerseys on Wednesday, November 26.

The whimsical sweaters are predominantly light blue since that’s the colour of the sky that serves as the background to the illustrated scene playing out on the rest of the jersey. Through the middle of the jersey are some of the buildings and landmarks that make up Edmonton’s skyline, including Rogers Place, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Muttart Conservatory, the Talus Dome and the Alberta Legislature.

The bottom third of the jersey features teddy bears of all shapes, sizes and colours frolicking through the winter cityscape. One on the front is wearing an Oil Kings jersey and a crown while holding a hockey stick; another on the back is also wearing a jersey while snacking on popcorn. There’s even a bear made out of snow on the back. A cartoon-style Oil Kings logo sits on the front of the jersey.

“The Teddy Bear Toss is the definition of what the Edmonton Oil Kings are all about – unrivaled family fun while supporting friends in our community who need a helping hand. Each year this game is the highlight of our promotional schedule.”
— Kevin Radomski, director of business operations, Edmonton Oil Kings

Names and numbers on the back and sleeves are red with white outlines. The logo for the Teddy Bear Toss event, presented by furniture retailer The Brick, sits on both shoulders.

The socks that go with the jersey are white, with partially buried snowbears and piles of snowballs. The jerseys were shown during Wednesday’s announcement paired with the Oil Kings’ regular blue pants and gloves.

The Oil Kings didn’t mention in their announcement who created the illustration on the jerseys or the process behind the design. Fans will have the chance to win one of the jerseys via raffle or auction at the December 7 game.

This year will be the 18th edition of the Oil Kings’ Teddy Bear Toss. In that time, the team and The Brick have raised more than $220,000 for 880 CHED Santas Anonymous. In 2024, a total of 15,458 stuffed animals were sent flying onto the ice after the Oil Kings scored their first goal of the game.

The Oil Kings’ 2024 Teddy Bear Toss jerseys were Christmas tree-themed, while in 2023, the whole uniform was covered in stuffed bears. In 2021, they honoured frontline health care workers with their jersey design.