Fans at the IPlex had to wait 27 minutes during Saturday's Broncos game for Tyler Steenbergen to score, and send over 1,000 teddy bears flying onto the ice.

A total of 1,012 teddy bears and 396 toques and mitts covered the ice after Steenbergen scored his 35th goal of the season.

Major Don Grad with the Salvation Army said that last night's teddy bear toss was one of the best they've had in the last number of years.

"We had an amazing night," he said. "We had an overflow of teddy bears, hats, and mitts that were tossed onto the ice."

Grad also commended the Broncos players for helping with the cleanup.

"As soon as the stuff was hitting the ice, the players were trying to arrange it in some piles to make it easier to pick it up, and put it in the back of the truck," he said. "I just find it always fascinating with the community work the Broncos do, and their community spirit and wanting to help the Salvation Army."

Grad explained that the teddy bears, touques, and mitts would be used in some different events.

"With the teddy bears we use a certain number of them in the gift or goody package that we deliver to some local seniors holmes," he said. "Some of them will end up in Christmas hampers, and some will be used for our Christmas day meal where Santa Claus gives a gift to every boy and girl."

Grad added that if someone still wanted to donate teddy bears, toys, hats or mitts, they can drop them off at the Miracle Room in the Swift Current Mall or at the Salvation Army.