By Scott Roblin

Tigers delight young fans with teddy bears at Medicine Hat Hospital

Dec 12, 2017 | 2:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – For the Medicine Hat Tigers, their annual Teddy Bear Toss game represents a holiday tradition.

Over 3,000 teddy bears hit the ice at the Canalta Centre on December 2 against the Brandon Wheat Kings, and on Tuesday a handful of Tigers players helped complete their journey at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Laura Hudson’s son Keagan was in the pediatric ward receiving treatment on Tuesday, and she said he lit up as soon as the Tigers entered their room.

“He loves the Tigers, we’re getting out today but he really wanted to stay to see them,” said Hudson. “He was going to be super sad if he had missed them.”

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The five-year-old is a die-hard fan of the team and met a few of the Tigers earlier this year, including his favourite player David Quenneville.

According to the veteran blueliner, Keagan stuck out during his visit and requested a piece of his gear.

“The one kid wanted a Quenneville stick, so I would have to talk to Mikki [Lanuk] to get him one of those, but it’s awesome.”

Along with the thousands of bears donated, the Tigers also reported an additional 765 winter items were donated by local residents.

Quenneville was the man to bring down the teddy bears against Brandon, and said it’s a highlight every year getting to spend time with the kids.

“It’s unfortunate that obviously kids have to spend a lot of time near Christmas in the hospital and it sucks,” said Quenneville. “But, anything we can do to brighten their day or brighten their week, we’re happy to be here and obviously handing out teddy bears.”

Joining Quenneville at the hospital was captain Mark Rassell, forwards James Hamblin and Ryan Jevne, and injured playmaker Mason Shaw.

Ever the competitor, Rassell was on a mission on Tuesday to beat his teammates and hand out the most bears.

“It comes down to when you’re in the room making a connection with the kid, cracking a joke, and hopefully they choose your bear,” said Rassell. “And, then it’s on to the next one, you got to forget the past, and get after it again.”

Cassi Hider with the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation said a small gesture can have a lasting impact on the kids at the hospital.

“This might be a long stay for them and it’s not always good days,” said Hider. “So, this is what we need to do for our community.”

It’s a message that has stuck with the Tigers leadership group, according to Rassell.

“It’s good for us as guys to see the impact that we have,” he said. “It kind of shows us our role in the community and it’s very important for us to give back.”

The Tigers return to action on Wednesday night at the Canalta Centre when they host the Tri-City Americans at 7:00 pm.