February 10, 2009

Quinnipiac to Conduct Teddy Bear Toss

HAMDEN, Conn. -- Quinnipiac University today announced it will hold its second-ever Teddy Bear Toss on Friday, Feb. 20 during the men’s ice hockey game versus Yale University at the TD Banknorth Sports Center. All fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal – preferably new – to the game and throw it onto the ice during the first intermission as a donation through Don’s Hat Rack to benefit the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. Last year more than 700 stuffed animals were collected during the inaugural event, which were later distributed to children by student-athletes during a team hospital visit.

Don’s Hat Rack was founded in memory of Donald Perrotti, a former Hamden youth and high school hockey player who lost a six-year battle to Ewing’s Sarcoma in 1998 at age 22. In addition to raising money and hosting special events, the organization collects donated hats, stuffed animals and other items for distribution to young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital.

During the game the Quinnipiac and Yale men’s ice hockey teams will be facing off for the “Heroes Hat” award. The event was revived last season following a one-year hiatus to honor those who lost or risked their lives during terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Quinnipiac leads the all-time series record between the two schools, 5-2.

Prior to taking place during the final Yale/Quinnipiac game each year, the award was given to the winner of the season series between Quinnipiac and the University of Connecticut. The Bobcats won four straight “Heroes Hat” games following its inception in 2002, including the 2003 game at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The "Heroes Hat" award remembers Joseph Mascali (FDNY/Staten Island 5), father of Quinnipiac alumni Chris and Jenn Mascali. Following the game, members of the Mascali family will be on hand to present the winning team with the award.

Standing-room-only tickets for the game (faceoff is 7 p.m.) are still available by calling 203-582-3905. The game will also be televised on WCTX/MyTV9.