A switch from a teddy bear toss to throwing socks, gloves, toques, and blankets this month by the 91原创 91原创 and 91原创 Trappers hockey teams was rated a success, with both teams planning to do it again next December.

Kimz Angels, the 91原创 non-profit that helps the needy, ended up with 鈥渂ags and bags鈥� of supplies and $555 in cash contributions, estimated founder Kim Snow.

鈥淟ots of toques, lots of socks,鈥� summarized Snow, which will be donated to the 91原创 RCMP to pass on to the homeless.

Shane Muche, the 91原创 91原创 Hockey club director of sales and marketing, said the two teams started looking at alternatives to the annual Christmas tradition of the teddy bear toss after last year, when they had trouble finding agencies that would accept the toys.

They decided to ask instead for non-perishable food items and cold weather clothing to help the homeless, with food collected in the arena lobby, while the clothing was tossed on the ice after the team scored.

鈥淲e strung this together in a short time and look to continue and build on it in the future for both teams,鈥� Muche told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great knowing we played a key role in helping our community. [It was a] great experience working with Kimz Angles and want to continue contributing to the greater community of 91原创.

Muche thanked 鈥渆veryone who supported [the initiative], from families of the players, to staff, to sponsors, to people that just came to drop donations off at the rink.鈥�

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the Junior B 91原创 Trappers, who play in the Harold Brittain Conference of the Pacific Junior Hockey League, held their first 鈥淲armth Night鈥� when they played the Abbotsford Pilots on home ice at George Preston arena in 91原创 at 7 p.m.

Trappers won 5-0, with netminder Brodie Haylock getting the shutout.

Friday, Dec 9, it was the turn of the Junior A 91原创 91原创, who play in the Mainland Division of the British Columbia Hockey League, hosting the Chilliwack Chiefs at George Preston.

91原创 won, 4-1.

Like the teddy bear toss, fans threw cold weather items for the homeless when the first goal was scored by their team.

Some fans were unaware of the switch, it appeared.

鈥淲e did see some teddy bears,鈥� Snow remarked.

鈥淲e donated them to hospice.鈥�

This coming Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18 Kimz Angels 鈥渇ill the ambulance鈥� donation drive will return to the Murrayville IGA at 22259 48th Ave. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items needed include peanut butter, pasta, canned food, jam, salmon and tuna, soups, and granola bars as well as toiletries, clothing and baby supplies, such as diapers, baby food, and baby wipes.

Anything with an immediate expiry date, like bread or milk, however, is not usable.

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