Mascots make sports even better than it is, and this is especially true for hockey. While fans who watch games from home might not appreciate the influence of mascots on the game, in fact, mascots do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of cheering the crowd and keeping the spirit high. Besides throwing out T-shirts, mascots represent the teams in terms of history and even in terms of modern culture, so NHL mascots are truly something different.
In this post, we discuss nine of the most iconic mascots of the NHL, in no particular order but the best ones are described the last. If you are into hockey and you are into everything around it, then mascots will probably catch your attention.
Hunter the Lynx, Edmonton Oilers
Hunter, the Edmonton Oilers’ mascot, has a grin that looks like he knows something the rest of us don’t—and might just be plotting his next move. It has been representing the Oilers since 2016 and it carries this wild energy of the team. His name comes from “Wild” Bill Hunter, who founded the Oilers back in 1972.
Interestingly enough, the Oilers didn’t have an official mascot for years. When they decided to have one they had to prepare at first. After surveying more than two thousand local students and school children, they announced that the Canadian lynx was the clear favorite, and that’s how Hunter was born.
Buoy, Seattle Kraken
While it may be reasonable to expect something else from the team called Seattle Kraken, at least maybe some sea creature mascot, well, instead they have a troll. They state it is a sea troll but it is still somewhat unconvincing.
The Kraken introduced Buoy on October 1, 2022, just before a preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks at Climate Pledge Arena. The team originally planned to introduce him around Christmas during the 2021–22 season. However, due to the pandemic, the games were delayed and therefore the introduction of the mascot had to happen later. Back then, everyone was sitting at home playing games online using Casino Classic 1$ bonus code offers so obviously visiting live games was not the case.
Thunderbug, Tampa Bay Lightning
Thunderbug might not be the most exciting mascot out there, but his “no thoughts, head empty” energy is oddly relatable. Compared to other mascots, he’s a bit plain. Thunderbug wears black and yellow colors with a jersey number 00. Most of the time he is wandering around the stands, keeping the energy up, cheering the crowd, and tossing T-shirts.
Howler the Coyote, Arizona Coyotes
Howler is one of the cuter canine mascots, especially if you compare him with other similar mascots or with his own earlier versions. Funny enough, Howler has this humble vibe that fits the team he represents.
As the official mascot of the Arizona Coyotes from October 15, 2005, until the team’s final game on April 18, 2024, Howler had number 96 on his T-shirt. This number reminds me of the year when the Winnipeg Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes. He is best known for playing on the drum to cheer the fans.
Mick E. Moose, Winnipeg Jets
Mick E. Moose, with his devilish grin, has some serious style. His looks definitely stand out, especially with this old-school pilot hat. This mascot spent 15 seasons with the Manitoba Moose before he finally joined the big leagues, and Manitoba Hockey fans really loved him. In 2011, Mick E. Moose started to represent the newly relocated Winnipeg Jets as their official mascot and then he started working with both Jets and Manitoba Moose.
Youppi!, Montreal Canadiens
Youppi! is a bit controversial, especially in terms of his appearance but probably this is exactly the thing that makes him iconic among the fans. He is known in the sports world not only due to his looks but also his bright personality. Originally representing the Montreal Expos, he is part of the sports history. Another of his unique distinctions is that he became the first mascot ever ejected from a baseball game.
Created by Acme Mascots, Inc., Youppi! was commissioned by Montreal Expos and first appeared in 1979, so it is not something new.
Carlton the Bear, Toronto Maple Leafs
Carlton the Bear might have a simple design, but he is definitely the cutest and the most charming mascot of all. His looks melt the hearts of both children and adults because he is basically a huge plushie. This cute and friendly polar bear has been the official mascot for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 1995.
An interesting thing about Carlton is that he often joined the team on the road. He was seen in more than 20 NHL arenas and even at NHL All-Star games. His being so adorable makes his every appearance a hit.
Gritty, Philadephia Flyers
It is unclear how one can identify Gritty because he is pure chaos with his over-the-top antics at games. Gritty has super popular social media accounts and his posts are totally wild at times. Gritty has even become a pop culture sensation, breaking out of the hockey world and winning fans everywhere.
As the mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers, Gritty is famous for his totally unique personality. This tall mascot with googly eyes and a full orange fur coat is just impossible not to notice. Somehow, his looks and attitude are pushing the limits of what a mascot can be and can do at the games.
