When the puck drops, fans expect the usual: hits, goals, and edge-of-your-seat drama. But off the ice? Some of hockey’s most unforgettable moments have come from the stands — not the scoreboard. Teams across leagues have embraced the weird and wonderful through over-the-top arena promotions that add flair, laughter, and sometimes chaos to game night.
Let’s take a look at some of the strangest and most memorable hockey promotions that have ever hit the ice — the kind you don’t forget, even if the score fades from memory.
1. The Teddy Bear Toss – Heartwarming Chaos
A staple in junior and minor league hockey, the Teddy Bear Toss is pure joy wrapped in fur. When the home team scores its first goal, fans launch thousands of stuffed animals onto the ice. The bears are then donated to hospitals and children’s charities.
The tradition began in 1993 with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. Since then, teams across North America have embraced the toss. The AHL’s Hershey Bears currently hold the record — a mind-blowing 102,343 teddy bears collected in one night (Jan. 2025). It’s a heartwarming storm that fans and charities alike look forward to all season.
2. Wiener Dog Races – Pure Intermission Gold
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. During select games, teams invite dachshunds — many in hot dog costumes — to race across the ice during intermission.
Teams like the Knoxville Ice Bears and Chicago Steel have made these races a promotional hit. The dogs may not always run straight, but the crowd eats it up. It’s part comedy, part chaos, and all entertainment.
3. Star Wars Night – Lightsabers & Line Changes
A force to be reckoned with in hockey promo history. Teams from the AHL to the NHL have hosted Star Wars Nights, complete with themed jerseys, character appearances, and epic jumbotron graphics.
The Peoria Rivermen have gone all out, featuring appearances by the 501st Legion and other cosplay groups. Players don Darth Vader or stormtrooper-inspired jerseys, while fans show up with lightsabers in hand. It’s a galactic fusion of fandom and forechecking.
4. Ugly Sweater Night – Holiday Spirit Meets Hockey Style
Holiday hockey games often get a festive makeover thanks to Ugly Sweater Night. Fans come decked out in their worst (or best?) knit monstrosities, and some teams even sport ugly sweater-themed warmup jerseys.
These nights usually feature contests, giveaways, and themed merchandise — a perfect pairing for a chilly arena and a few hat tricks.
5. Dollar Beer, Dollar Dogs – A Legendary Combo
Minor league hockey is no stranger to the timeless promotion of cheap beer and hot dogs. These fan-favorite nights bring out big crowds — and occasionally, rowdy ones.
While many teams still use this promotion successfully, some have scaled back or added purchasing limits to keep things under control. After all, hockey fans know how to celebrate — and sometimes the celebration spills into the aisles.
6. Mullet Night – Celebrating Legendary Lettuce
Business in the front, party in the back — and on the ice. In one of the most creative promotions, the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) hosted “Mullet Night: Redneck Edition,” complete with wigs, contests, and a full-on Mullet Hall of Fame.
Fans competed for prizes based on their flow, and mullet wigs were handed out at the gate. It was a celebration of one of hockey’s most iconic hairstyles and proof that promotions can be as bold as a cross-ice pass in overtime.
7. ’80s Night – Neon, Nostalgia, and New Wave
Break out the retro jerseys and synth-heavy playlists — ’80s Night turns the rink into a time machine. From throwback uniforms to vintage music and graphics, teams tap into the golden age of hockey mullets and moustaches.
Some promotions even bring back alumni players for a touch of nostalgia. It’s a fun reminder that some things never go out of style — like good tunes and better hits.
8. Kiss Cam Pranks – Awkward or Awesome?
While not exclusive to hockey, the kiss cam has had some hilarious moments in rinks. One AHL team staged a prank where the couple on screen ended in a dramatic drink toss and storm-off — all part of the show.
Fans laughed, gasped, and realized later they’d been in on a performance. It’s proof that sometimes, what’s happening off the ice is just as entertaining.
9. Unverified but Legendary: The Rumors that Won’t Die
Some stories live in hockey lore — whispered between periods, shared on message boards, or retold by diehards in the upper bowl. Here are a few fan-reported promotions that remain unverified but unforgettable:
• Mystery Meat Night: Allegedly, a team once handed out unidentified canned meat (possibly SPAM?) as part of a quirky giveaway. While no official record confirms this, the idea alone is enough to make your stomach second-guess.
• Toilet Paper Night: A tale of fans being encouraged to throw rolls of toilet paper after a goal, creating a paper blizzard on the ice. Cleanup crews weren’t thrilled, and the promotion — if it happened — was likely short-lived.
• Poutine Festival Night: Rumors suggest a Canadian team once hosted a concourse-wide poutine competition featuring wild flavors like pulled pork or dessert-style variations. Tasty? Probably. Verified? Not yet.
Until hard evidence surfaces, these remain legendary “locker room stories” of the promotional world.
Why These Promotions Work
In a sport known for intensity and grit, promotions like these offer levity, community, and unforgettable memories. They help teams connect with fans in creative, personal ways — and sometimes even go viral.
The rink becomes more than a place to watch goals — it’s a place to throw teddy bears, race dachshunds, and show off your best ’80s dance moves between periods.
Final Buzzer
Strange arena promotions are more than just gimmicks. They’re love letters to the sport’s personality — quirky, passionate, and never boring. From confirmed classics like the Teddy Bear Toss and Star Wars Night to whispered tales of SPAM and snowstorms of toilet paper, these moments make hockey feel like home.
And next time you head to a game, don’t just check the standings — check the promo calendar. You never know what kind of madness might hit the ice.