Saint John Sea Dogs President Wayne Long announced today that the team’s annual ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ promotion, originally scheduled to be held on December 12, has officially been cancelled due to concerns regarding an infestation of hematophagous parasites (bedbugs) that has proliferated throughout south western New Brunswick in recent months.

“After meeting with several external parties and discussing the matter internally at length, we have decided that we won’t be able to hold the Teddy Bear Toss this season,” said Long. “We contacted several charitable organizations throughout the region, across Canada, and even abroad, and none were willing to accept a donation of stuffed toys from south western New Brunswick due to the bedbug outbreak. It’s unfortunate that this great promotion won’t take place at Harbour Station this year, but we hope that our fans will understand the reason behind the decision.”

Currently ranked #2 in the Canadian Hockey League with a record of 24-3-0-2, the Sea Dogs will face the P.E.I. Rocket in a home-and-home series in the coming days. After battling at the Charlottetown Civic Centre on Tuesday (puck drop: 7pm), these two divisional adversaries will square off at Harbour Station on Wednesday night (also a 7pm start). Tickets to this mid-week clash between Maritime-based clubs - including special $6 upper bowl seats - can be obtained by calling the arena box office at (506) 657-1234, or by visiting www.tickets.harbourstation.ca.