The Indy Fuel skated in front of a sellout crowd Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones for the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game. While the Fuel came up short on the scoreboard in a 4-1 loss, fans still flooded the ice with teddy bears for charity following Indy’s lone goal of the night.

The opening period was marked by frequent special teams action, with both squads combining for several penalties in the first 20 minutes. Indy controlled much of the early play and outshot Cincinnati 8-5 in the period, but the Cyclones capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity late in the frame. John Jaworski scored at 18:56 to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Cincinnati added to its lead in the second period during another stretch of penalty-filled play. After the Fuel successfully killed off several penalties, Jaworski struck again with just four seconds remaining on a high-sticking minor to make it 2-0. Through two periods, Indy held a slim 18-17 edge in shots on goal.

The Cyclones extended their advantage in the third period. Ryan Kirwan scored at 9:57 to push the lead to 3-0, and Zack Trott followed with a power-play goal at 12:09 after an Indy boarding penalty, making it 4-0.

The long-awaited Teddy Bear Toss moment came late in the game. Terry Broadhurst, who recently rejoined the Fuel after spending three seasons playing in Europe, scored just two seconds into a power play at 18:01 to break the shutout. Jadon Joseph assisted on the goal, prompting fans to shower the ice with teddy bears destined for local charities.

The Cyclones and Fuel finished even in shots on goal, 25-25, but Cincinnati’s special teams proved to be the difference on a night that blended holiday tradition with high-energy hockey.