Firebirds, Kracken Hockey Hosts Kids Toy Drive, Teddy Bear Toss

PALM DESERT, CA — The Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team is asking area residents to play Santa through the holiday season with gift collections and the Teddy Bear toss, allowing fans to take photos and donate stuffed animals.

Thursday, personnel from the Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Seattle Kraken, were on-site at The Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert and Big Rock Pub & Golf from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to a team statement.

Fans were encouraged to bring teddy bears and other plush animals to donate ahead of the team's Teddy Bear Toss Night promotion on Dec. 28. According to the team's website, all stuffed animals collected will be given to local organizations that work with children, such as the 29 Palms Military Base, California Highway Patrol, various Riverside County Sheriff's Department offices and local Police and Fire Departments.

Each donation (individual or bulk) also allows a fan to spin a prize wheel, with available rewards including autographed team items, gift cards, game tickets and prizes from the pop-up host sites, according to the team.

There will also be photo opportunities with "larger-than-life-sized bears," as well as the Cactus Cup trophy, which will be up for grabs at the upcoming four-team Division I college hockey tournament at Acrisure Arena on Jan. 3-4.

The Firebirds, currently third in the Pacific Division, will continue their season as they host the Ontario Reign on Friday.