The LMU community roared for Club Men’s D2 Ice Hockey on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2025, as the team held its annual Teddy Bear Toss game for the final game of 2025. This tradition started in 2018 and shattered records this year with over 1,230 bears and stuffed animals collected. Fans packed the stands of Toyota Sports Center, decked out in ice hockey gear and holding teddy bears at the ready for when the first goal of the game was scored. Joining the crowd was President Thomas Poon, Ph.D., and Senior Vice President Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D.
Cooper Ford ’29 became “Mr. Teddy” for the game, scoring the opening goal, at which point fans launched teddy bears and stuffed animals onto the ice for local children in need. The Lions delivered a commanding 10-0 victory, outshooting and sweeping USC. Each USC player brought a stuffed animal to donate during this year’s teddy bear toss, which made a major contribution to this record-breaking donation. Ford led with two goals, supported by Kenny McIlwain ‘29 and Charles Wójcik ‘26 (two each). Zephyr Tangri ‘28, Jeffrey Lee ‘27, Alex Skenderian ‘27, and Will DeLaForest ‘26 added one goal each. Goalie Micah Kawai ‘28 stood tall, earning his first shutout of the season.
The team delivered bears and stuffed animals on Monday, Dec. 8, to the Richstone Family Foundation and Momentum4All, both organizations that bring healing and joy to families facing domestic violence and disabilities. “I think the tradition is important because we see it as a way to come together as an LMU hockey community to give back,” said Tyler Goeckner-Zoeller ‘08, general manager of Club Ice Hockey. “Originally, we gave the stuffed animals to the Richstone Family Foundation, which we found through another on-campus group. This is a fantastic charity that helps kids and parents who have struggled with domestic violence in the household. To give a bit of peace to a kid and a parent in that situation at Christmastime is a real blessing.”
Goeckner-Zoeller added, “But as the game grew, we’ve been fortunate to expand our giving efforts to include Momentum4All, a charity that helps all people with disabilities achieve their goals in life. Being able to, as a group, give a gift to a kid who might not otherwise have one this year is a great way to reflect LMU’s values in real life. It’s also fun for the players to play in an atmosphere with such great fans and support.”
The Richstone Family Center has been dedicated to treating and preventing child abuse and trauma; strengthening and educating families; and preventing violence in families, schools, and communities. Founded in 1977 with a state grant as one of California’s first child abuse treatment and prevention programs, Richstone Family Center began serving about 70 families annually. Over the years, Richstone expanded access to Hawthorne, the South Bay, and Southwest Los Angeles, partnering with school districts and opening an office in Inglewood. Today, Richstone is a leading trauma-focused treatment and child abuse prevention center in Los Angeles County and the first Southern California recipient of the Blue Ribbon Affiliate designation from Parents as Teachers, honoring its quality services for children and families.
Momentum4All is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing independence, productivity, and full citizenship for children and adults with disabilities and medical conditions. Founded in 1945 by parents and volunteers in Los Angeles, it has grown into the largest direct-care provider for adults in Southern California. The organization offers over 30 programs and services that empower individuals to choose how they live. Momentum continually innovates and advocates for inclusion and access, expanding its reach through partnerships like WORK, Inc. (2001) and Wheels for Humanity (2007), which extended services to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and more than 70 countries.
Want to cheer on Club Ice Hockey? While the three teams are off for winter break, LMU’s Club Ice Hockey program is looking forward to an exciting two months left in the season, including the newly established women’s team hosting its first ACHA competition in Northwestern and the University of Washington. The M3 team has a trip to Northern California, and the M2 team plays CSUN on Jan. 10 and has its final home game, Senior Night, against UCLA on Jan. 31.