Gens host Colts in 24th Annual Teddy Bear Toss
Oshawa, Ont., – The most anticipated game of the season is finally here! Tonight, the Generals host the Barrie Colts for the first time this season, and will be hosting our 24th Annual Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Canadian Tire.
Over the years, this rich tradition has grown into a celebration that fans across the Durham Region wait for all season. In its 23-year history, more than 80,000 bears have been donated to kids in need around Durham Region so that they can have a Christmas to remember. When the Generals score their first goal of the game tonight, fans are asked to throw their bears onto the ice, where they’ll be collected and donated to Durham Outreach Alliance, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club of Durham, and Durham Children’s Aid.
Following two seasons of a special Drive-Thru Teddy Bear Toss, this will be the first traditional Teddy Bear Toss since Thursday, December 5th when Ty Tullio made it rain bears against the Kingston Frontenacs.
Last Meeting
The only other time these two teams met this season was Oshawa first game of the 2022-2023 season, where the defeated the home side Colts 2-1, on September 29th. It was 16-year-old Beckett Sennecke and, at the time, newly acquired Dylan Roobroeck scoring for Oshawa. The only Barrie goal came from now Saginaw Spirit forward Hunter Haight. Gens goaltended Patrick Leaver stopped 24 of 25 shots in the game.
Players to Watch: Oshawa
Brett Harrison – The hot hand continues for Bruins prospect Brett Harrison, scoring once again on Friday night, extending his goal-scoring streak to five games. In 21 games this season, Harrison has now scored 16 goals. Despite only playing in 21 games, Harrison finds himself amongst the team leader in points, and is only one point behind teammate Ryan Gagnier for the team lead, in five fewer games played.
Beckett Sennecke – The 16-year-old rookie has been turning heads ALL season long in Oshawa. Earning the nickname “Silky Sennecke” for his endless number of dirty dangles, Sennecke hit the 10-goal plateau on Friday night after yet another highlight reel goal. Sennecke is now the eighth Gens rookie in a row to score at least 10 goals in a season. Sennecke is now on pace to score around 30 goals this season.
Player to Watch: Barrie
Ethan Cardwell – The local product from Courtice, Ont., currently leads the Colts in both goals, assists, and points with a scoreline of 13 goals, 18 assists, and 31 points. The San Jose Sharks prospect has only been held pointless twice the entire season, and currently has nine points in his last seven games. It’s expected he will have a bunch of friends and family in the crowd, so look for Cardwell to feed off the hometown energy to help the Colts snap Oshawa’s 4-game winning streak.
