Teddy bear toss Saturday at Lake State

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

*********************** Weekend hockey has Legion Band, teddy bear benefit

SAULT STE. MARIE, Michigan — Lake Superior State University (LSSU) encourages its hockey fans to snuggle up with a teddy bear during Saturday's game, but only for a little while.

The Lakers take on the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 squad in an exhibition game at 7:05 p.m.

LSSU is asking fans to toss teddy bears onto the ice after the Lakers score their first goal, similar to the "chuck-a-puck" event held during most games.

Students will collect the bears from the ice and donate them to the Chippewa County Department of Human Services Children's Services Program.

"We use the teddy bears when children are removed from a home and have lost their home environment, for children in foster care, and to celebrate adoptions," said Karen Stabile, an agency spokesperson who noted that there is a year-round need for the stuffed animals.

Fans who don't bring their own teddy bears to the game can purchase one or more at the Norris Center on Saturday.

Special guests at the game include Sault Ontario's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 Drum & Trumpet Band, plus other local veteran groups who will receive free admission. American Legion Post 3 will serve as the evening’s color guard.

The award-winning Royal Canadian Legion Band, which originated in 1934, includes 45 members from across the Algoma region.

It recently finished second in a competition that included the U.S. Marine Corps Marching Band.

The ensemble will provide musical entertainment between periods.

The U.S. U-18s split during a recent road trip that included a 4-0 victory over Williams College and a 7-1 loss to Vermont.

This weekend's Upper Peninsula trip includes an exhibition game Friday at Northern Michigan.

The U-18s are 1-1 against CCHA teams after losing 3-2 in overtime to Michigan and defeating Michigan State, 5-4.

Saturday's game will be broadcast live on Rock 101 FM.

To see a large-format picture showing everybody who plays in the Royal Canadian Legion Band, please click here.

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