When the Simon Fraser University Clan skate out to play the defending B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League champion Trinity Western University Spartans this Friday, they expect a couple of winning moments.
First, on the scoreboard when they try to upset the frontrunners. Just as important, however, is their annual Teddy Bear Toss that takes place during the game.
Friday’s game will be one where fans get to be major contributors in helping those in need with donations for the Burnaby Community Services Christmas Bureau.
Items like teddy bears or pajama donations will be accepted during the game, and can be tossed onto the ice when SFU nets its first goal. Pajamas are a high priority item for children in need, as well as the always-popular teddy bear.
The hockey club is also donating a portion of revenue from tickets sold online, as well as hosting a silent auction and offer its share of the 50/50 pot to Burnaby Community Services.
The Clan currently sit four points back of the first-place Spartans, who own an impressive 8-1-0 record. In their last meeting, Trinity Western emerged with a 4-1 win despite being outshot 29-25 by SFU.
On an Island trip last weekend, the Clan defeated UVic 4-3 thanks to a two-goal game from Mitch Ledyard. They also fell 2-1 to Vancouver Island University, with Graham Smerek counting SFU’s lone goal.
SFU features local products Domenic Masellis, one of the squad’s first-year defenceman, and brothers Matt and Nicholas Holowko. The latter leads the Clan in scoring with two goals and nine assists.
Trinity Western’s lineup includes Burnaby brothers Jacob Mills, a defenceman who sits sixth in team scoring with two goals and seven assists over 11 games, and netminder Lucas Mills, who has started nine of the team’s 11 games, with a 1.61 goals against average and .941 save percentage.
Tickets are available at www.sfuhockey.com ($12 for adult and $8 for children and students) and at the door.
