ELPASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Rhinos hosted their 19th Annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, Feb. 28, in loving memory of Joni Arnett, who lost her life 19 years ago.
The Rhinos went head-to-head against the Odessa Jackalopes as a part of Kids Weekend at the El Paso County Coliseum. Rhinos hockey players even sported their Mincraft themed jerseys for the occassion, both Friday and Saturday. The themed jerseys also went up for auction on the Dash website.
El Paso Rhinos 19th Annual Teddy Bear Toss (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
The El Paso hockey team took the win from the Jackalopes 6-1 on day one with goals from Aidan Bergner, Jacob Solano and Troy Hunka.
To conclude Kids Weekend, the Rhinos fell short to Odessa 2-4 in their matchup on Saturday.
Following the conclusion of their hockey game, the Rhinos honored the memory of Arnett by inviting fans to throw teddy bears onto the ice.
Joni Arnett was a former professor at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), model and Rhino season ticket holder. She tragically lost her life in 2007.
El Paso Rhinos 19th Annual Teddy Bear Toss (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
The teddy bear toss, made in her honor, is a way to give back to local charities just as Arnett did throughuot her youth. Being involved in charities, especially those that benefitted children, was very important for her.
The El Paso Rhinos will head to New Mexico next to face the Ice Wolves on March 6 and 7.
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