Pats focused more on wins ahead of teddy bear toss game

While members of the Regina Pats have taken part in teddy bear toss games, no one on the current roster has scored the all-important first goal in one of the games.

The annual event sees fans toss hundred of stuffed toys onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal of the game. All toys thrown onto the ice Saturday will be taken to children in Regina hospitals as well as donated to other organizations in the city.

Left-winger Robbie Holmes is in his fifth year with the Pats and has taken part in the game in the past.

“It’s fun for everyone involved, the fans and us players,” Holmes said. “Once the first goal goes in and you see all the teddy bears flying, it’s definitely neat.”

It will be the first time the Pats have played in front of a home crowd since Nov. 20, when they lost 4-2 to the Calgary Hitmen. Puck drop for the game against the Red Deer Rebels is set for 7 p.m.

While he hasn’t scored the teddy bear goal, Holmes has had the opportunity in the past to deliver the plush toys to children in the hospital.

“You put smiles on kids’ faces that may need that little extra something from some of us players,” Holmes said. “It’s awesome seeing kids that are going through so much and it’s awesome to see.”

Holmes could be a good bet to get the first goal for the Pats; he currently leads the team with 11 goals this season.

“It’d be pretty cool but I’m just going to be focused on the way I play,” Holmes said.

It could also be a hometown kid, like right-winger Carson Denomie, who gets the Brandt Centre rocking with the first goal. Denomie was acquired by the Pats via a trade with the Moose Jaw Warriors on Nov. 18.

“It was exciting playing the Pats, kind of the games that I really got up for,” Denomie said of his time with the Warriors.

He said it would be special to get the first goal.

“It’s unique for anybody to score the teddy bear toss goal. You’re the one firing up the crowd for that night,” Denomie said.

The goal could also end up being the first in someone’s young career, including rookie defenceman Jake Johnson.

“I think it’ll be cool. The atmosphere when we get that first goal, (to) see all the bears fly down, it will be fun,” Johnson said.

But the players aren’t spending too much time thinking about who will score the first goal of the game.

“We haven’t really talked about it but I’m sure talks will heat up,” Holmes said, noting in previous years other players have come in on game day saying they were going to try to get the goal.

Head coach Dave Struch said the game gives players an opportunity to grow as people outside of the rink.

“We have not been in a position here — because we’ve travelled a lot to put our players — out in the community. It’s going to be something really special for them to be a part of,” Struch said.

But like his players, the Pats’ focus is on improving their 6-17-3-0 record.

“I know it’s big for the community and our fans and it’s something added for a celebration but for us it’s winning hockey games and winning shifts,” Struch said.