UTICA, NY  -- The Utica College men's hockey team is set to host the 10^th annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss on Friday night as the Pioneers take on nationally-ranked No. 11 Trinity College at the Utica Memorial Auditorium at 7 p.m.  The contest is sold out for the fourth straight year, but it will be televised locally on WPNY Channel 12 on Time Warner Cable and live streaming video can also be accessed at www.ucpioneers.com/watch.

The New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss "How To" Guide:
1. Don't be late to the game! When Utica College scores their first goal, fans throw their teddy bears onto the ice. In 2009, the toss occurred only 1:28 into the first period and some late fans missed out.
2. Bring a bunch of bears! For every NEW, CLEAN stuffed animal you donate, you will get a raffle ticket to win an awesome prize given away at the game.
3. All of the toys collected by New York Sash are sorted and distributed to local charities through the WIBX-Keeler Toy Drive, which will include Operation Sunshine, House of the Good Shepherd and many more. The important thing to know is that LOCAL kids will be enjoying the teddy bears you donate this holiday season.
4. If you're not attending the game, stop by Tony's AUDelicious Deli & Sports Bar on Friday night, where they'll be playing the game live! Plus, it's the official Teddy Bear Toss Party Spot, and they'll give you a FREE drink for every teddy bear you bring in to donate!
5. Feel like staying in that night? Don't worry! The game will also be broadcast on WPNY.
6. Utica College hockey games will be broadcast on the radio locally at WTLB 99.1 FM/1310 AM (ESPN Radio) by play-by-play man Dave Peroni, color analyst Fred Miller … Live streaming audio can also be accessed on WTLB's website, www.espnur.com.
6. All other stuffed animal donations need to be brought to New York Sash at 349 Oriskany Boulevard in Whitesboro no later than Wednesday, December 10th.

Teddy Bear Toss Fun Facts:
- The 1st UC Teddy Bear Toss game was played on Dec. 6, 2005 against Hamilton. UC won 4-2 and 1,713 fans attended.
- UC is 7-1-1 all-time in Teddy Bear Toss games.
- The Pioneers have scored the first goal in every TBT game.
- The fastest goal scored was in 2009 when Tim Coffman netted a goal 1:28 into the contest.
- The last four TBT goal scorers'  last names all begin with the letter "G". Graff, Garbutt, Gaffney & Garbutt.
- Three different players have scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal twice. Colin Kingston (2005, 2006), Tim Coffman (2008, 2009) and Ridge Garbutt (Toronto, Ontario/Brewster Academy (NH)) (2011, 2013). 
- Noone on the current UC roster has scored the coveted Teddy bear Toss goal. 

(Portions of this article courtesy of New York Sash)