CINCINNATI, Ohio – The 2010 Kelly Cup Champion Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that 938 bears were collected in this year’s Teddy Bear Toss, which benefits Lighthouse Youth Service.

Last Saturday night, Cyclones fans were encouraged to bring a new or gently-loved teddy bear to the game to be thrown on the ice when the Cincinnati scored their first goal.

"It was great to watch hundreds of teddy bears being tossed on the ice in support of Lighthouse Youth Services," said Terri Betts, director of the Early Childhood Services Division at Lighthouse.  "The teddy bears will be given to children enrolled in the Lighthouse Help Me Grow program during home visits throughout December and January.  This is a great way to engage our babies when they meet us at the door with their parents or caregiver.”

It was the fifth-annual Teddy Bear Toss for the Cyclones, which has seen increased participation each year.

“The Teddy Bear Toss is one of our promotional staples every year and we’re so happy we could partner with Lighthouse,” said Cyclones General Manager Kristin Ropp.  “We’re so proud of our fans for coming together in such large support of those in need during the holiday season.”

After spending the rest of the week on Christmas break, the Cyclones will be back on the ice this Sunday, December 26, when they meet the Wheeling Nailers at WesBanco Arena at 5:05pm.

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Tuesday, December 28 for a reunion with the Toledo Walleye.  It will be a Kids Eat Free night, where fans ages 2-12 will receive a free meal courtesy of John Morrell, Grippos, and Sun Drop.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

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