New York Sash Utica College Teddy Bear Toss Photos

The Utica College Pioneers hockey team put up a valiant effort against nationally ranked Trinity in front of a sold out Utica AUD crowd on Friday night but what everyone hoped wouldn't happen, did.

Goalie Nathan Heilbron stopped all 33 Pioneer shots on goal, registering a shutout and a 1-0 win for Trinity - ranked 11th in the latest USCHO.com poll. Sean Orlando had the Bantams' goal, 14:10 into the opening period.

When the final horn sounded, Utica hockey fans finally got their chance to throw the stuffed toys they'd purchased for local kids onto the ice. A few apparently inpatient fans couldn't wait. With about 20 second remaining in the third period, and the Pioneers scrambling for the equalizer, a few dozen fans chucked their bears onto the ice causing a stoppage of play and halting UC's frenzied push to the tie the game.

Hopefully, the disappointment of not being able to toss your bear didn't overshadow a great effort by the Pioneers - who skated stride for stride with one of the top teams in Division III hockey - backed by 26 saves from goalie Dylan Wells.

A final tally on the number of bears college at the game will be announced soon.

(Check out the new UC Pioneer jersey which debuted last night featuring a teddy bear on each should, replacing the usual UC Moose logo)