Checkers fans attending the game were encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to launch onto the ice following the team’s first goal. They had to wait until three minutes into the third period when Trevor Carrick scored from the top of the circles on a two-person advantage. Carrick’s goal triggered a shower of teddy bears and stuffed toys onto the ice.

“It was exciting. I feel like all those teddy bear games tend to go late, so the guys showed good composure, and we just kind of stayed patient and waited for opportunities,” said Carrick in a Checkers post-game recap. “Kyle [Green] made a great pass, and I just tried putting it on net. It’s nice seeing those teddy bears rain down.”

The team has partnered with Novant Health to donate the stuffed toys to several Charlotte-area nonprofits, including Baby Bundles, the Alliance Center for Education, Alexander Youth Network, Hugaroo Inc., Bright Blessings, and the Giving Tree Charity.

After a short delay for collecting all the toys from the ice, the Checkers picked up the momentum and notched another goal, thanks to John Leonard. Another delivery from Patrick Giles sent the puck straight into the Wild’s net.

Cooper Black fended the Checkers’ home turf, turning back all 23 shots from the Wild to claim his first professional league shutout.