From Julie Martin,

Having grown up in North Dakota and attended the University of North Dakota (go Fighting Sioux!), the Teddy Bear Toss of 2006 was not my first hockey game nor my first Teddy Bear Toss, but was my two year old son's first for both. After his father was deployed to Iraq in October 2006, I did all I could to take Gavin's (and my) mind off Craig's absence. When the Condors scored their first goal and all the bears flew on to the ice, my son watched in amazement and asked why. I explained the bears would be given to poor children whose parents could not afford toys. That night the idea of giving to those less fortunate was instilled in my son and marked the beginning of his love of hockey. We ended the season by celebrating his 3rd birthday a little early so we could celebrate it with Colonel Claw'd at the last home game. That season provided a welcomed distraction for us both to pass time until Craig returned safely from Iraq. Gavin was thrilled to take Craig to his "first" hockey game last fall when Fresno came to town and the "fighting frenzy" occurred. Seeing firsthand his son's new found love of hockey meant the world to my husband and seeing them both enjoy their first game together meant the world to me. Thank you, Condors, for helping Gavin and I pass the time in 2006-2007 and welcoming Craig home for the 2007-2008 season!