Chuck Gaidica joins Plymouth Whalers' Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday

Fans to toss stuffed animals on ice after Whalers' 1st goal

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – When the Plymouth Whalers host the Guelph Storm on Sat. Dec. 7 at 7:05 pm at Compuware Arena, they'll be asking fans to bring a furry little friend along to help support a great cause.

Saturday is the Whalers 14th Annual Teddy Bear Toss. If you are new to the Teddy Bear Toss, the first time the Whalers score, fans are encouraged to throw their stuffed animals on to the ice. Once the stuffed animals are collected, Plymouth Community United Way will find great homes for the comforting toys.

Last season, Plymouth left wing Matt Mistele scored at 11:21 of the first period to trigger the rain of stuffed animals out of the crowd and onto the ice surface.

After the Whalers' most successful Teddy Bear Toss last season, Plymouth is enlisting the help of WDIV's Chuck Gaidica and local corporate sponsor Family Heating Cooling & Electrical, Inc. to try to top last season's Teddy Bear Toss.

"We're always very excited and a little anxious to see the first Whalers goal," said Dawn Frey, Senior Vice President of Advertising for Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. "But when the stuffed animals come raining down, there's nothing but smiles in the building. Everyone involved is contributing something to make Saturday a special night. It's all about the right stuff – good people contributing to a great cause."

When fans arrive at the game, they'll be invited to purchase one of Gaidica's Cuddle Alert Bears for just $5 to throw on the ice. They also have the option to bring a new stuffed animal to the game.

Saturday's game is also Plymouth's 11th Annual Salute to Heroes Night. Veterans and current Armed Forces members will receive a complimentary ticket (with ID), while family members can purchase tickets for $10.

Tickets are available online at www.plymouthwhalers.com, or call the Plymouth Whalers Box Office at 734-453-8400. Military and their families are encouraged to call the box office early for tickets.

Gaidica is an Emmy Award-winning television and radio personality. He invented the phrase "Cuddle Alert" during his weather reports as a fun, call-to-action phrase during cold weather outbreaks. As America's Cuddle Alert expert, Gaidica is the author of an award winning children's book, "Tommy Starts Something Big." His Cuddle Alert Teddy Bears promote the healing effects of touch.