Adam Sykora Finding Consistency in Third American Hockey Season

On January 10th, over 8,000 teddy bears rained down from the stands at the PeoplesBank Arena. It was the Wolf Pack's annual Teddy Bear Toss game, a staple of junior and minor league hockey where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the first home goal. The toys are then donated to local children's charities.

At the center of it all was third-year forward Adam Sykora. The 2022 second round draft pick scored the goal that sent the bears flying, a shorthanded marker off a feed from veteran forward Justin Dowling.

Sykora immediately signals to the crowd to commence the toss and is embraced by captain Casey Fitzgerald.

"I just scored and completely blacked out," Sykora told Blueshirt Banter when asked about the goal following the game. "I was super happy that we scored a goal for [other] people and we can donate those teddy bears for a good reason."

It's a highlight moment in what's been a strong season for Sykora. The 21 year old forward has recorded a new career high in goals, with 12, and is one point off of matching his career high of 30, set last season. His signature aggressive forecheck, elite penalty killing, and quality shot blocking have all been on display. No matter the score, Sýkora gives a full effort on the ice, and it hasn't gone unnoticed.

"I think Adam is one of the most consistent guys we have," Wolf Pack head coach Grant Potulny told Blueshirt Banter after the Teddy Bear Toss game. "You always get the same effort from him. He's a very, very good penalty killer, he plays an honest game. Even at the end of the game, it's a 5-1 game, and he's laying out to block a shot. When guys like that get rewarded, you're really happy for him."