November 27, 2023
It was a chilly Sunday morning in Vancouver, yet UBC’s Father Bauer Arena was filled with warmth and excited chatter as St. George’s School hosted their annual Teddy Bear Toss Game. This year’s edition was played on Sunday, November 26th, and featured the St. George’s U15 Prep Team against the North Shore Warriors. Saints came out victorious and won the game 8-1.
This special game was full of community spirit and support. Students from the Junior School (Kindergarten–Grade 7) lined the glass, holding creative handmade signs to help cheer on the Hockey Team. TheSt. George’s Parents Association (SGPA)set up a table outside the rink and handed out hot chocolate and coffee during intermissions. The Head of Grade 12, fittingly dressed in a Christmas blazer, was the in-house announcer, and the Student Spirit Committee moved around the stands to hype up the crowd. Hundreds of fans from all over the St. George’s community were in attendance, from Grade 1 students to the Head of School, all eager to cheer for Saints and throw their bears and other stuffed toys onto the ice.
The Teddy Bear Toss Hockey Game is part of a bigger initiative — the St. George’s Hamper Drive. Since the 1970s, the School has come together every December to assemble and deliver more than 250 hampers as well as care packages for families around Vancouver who are experiencing hardship. These hampers may include food, toys, and household necessities. Families also receive gift cards so they are able to purchase items that fit their specific needs. For the month of December, the School focuses on service and educates students about food scarcity and socio-economic challenges.
The Hamper Drive is a school-wide tradition that enlists the help of countless volunteer parents and students; it unites the community during a season of kindness and giving. Each hamper will contain a plush toy that was collected during the Teddy Bear Toss — over 300 bears were tossed onto the ice this year following Jacob Schwartz’s goal1:07 into the game. Seven more players scored a goal for Saints, including Brock Cripps, CSSHL’s U15 Prep Player of the Month for October.
St. George’s School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school located in Vancouver, BC. In their seventh year in the CSSHL, the Senior School’s Hockey Program has grown to four teams that play in these divisions — U15, U15 Prep, U17 Prep, and U18 Prep. The program is led by Mr. Todd Harkins, Head of Hockey;,, Mr. Chris Blackman, Head of Athletics;and a team of experienced coaching staff. Hockey is offered to students as a co-curricular option in the fall and winter terms of the school year, and students are expected to participate in all aspects of the school, including academics, athletics, and service. The St. George’s Athletics Department offers over 15 different competitive and recreational sports. Many student-athletes spend their first two terms playing hockey, and then pursue other competitive sports in the third term such as Tennis, Field Hockey, or Rugby. For more information, visit our Athletics page on the St. George’s School website here.
Story submitted by Ms. Christine Lee, St. George’s School