Phantoms | Holiday promotions

Teddy Bear Toss: The Phantoms are hosting their third annual “Teddy Bear Toss” on Saturday when they play the Chicago Steel. All fans who bring a stuffed animal to throw on the ice after the first Phantoms’ goal will receive a $4 discount on purple level tickets at the box office. All bears collected will be donated to Akron Children’s Hospital of Mahoning Valley.

Ho, ho, ho: Santa Claus also will be in attendance and available for pictures with children on the concourse. Following the game, Phantoms players will be available to sign autographs for fans.

Salvation Army partnership: In keeping with the spirit of the season, the Phantoms and their parent company B.J. Alan Co./Phantom Fireworks have partnered with the Salvation Army to make the holidays more memorable for families in need throughout the Mahoning Valley. The Phantoms have adopted six area families this holiday season to provide them with toys for children, winter coats and food gift cards. The donated items will be presented to the Salvation Army during a ceremony between periods during Saturday’s game. “None of these kids have been to a hockey game before,” said Jenn Ciccone, who is chairing the event for B.J. Alan. “They’re all excited for it and we’re happy to have them there. It’s going to be a great time for all the kids and families to get to come out, see hockey and just enjoy themselves. It’s a hard this time of the year and there are so many kids and families that need help. And we have people that want to help. [The reception] has been great. With the time that we’ve had to do this, the amount of stuff we’ve been able to get has been tremendous. There are going to be a lot of happy kids this year.”

Staff report