When you think of hockey, your mind probably jumps to hat tricks, slap shots, and breakaway goals. But there’s another side of the sport that delivers energy, laughs, and sometimes pure chaos: mascots. From the lovable classics to the downright bizarre, hockey mascots are more than just costumed characters—they’re entertainers, hype-builders, and team icons.
In this article, we’re breaking down the best hockey mascots across the game, focusing on NHL favorites that have made a lasting impression.
Why Hockey Mascots Matter
Mascots aren’t just about funny dance moves and oversized heads. They serve an important role in the culture of hockey:
• Fan engagement: Mascots pump up the crowd, interact with kids, and keep energy levels high between plays.
• Tradition and branding: Many mascots have become synonymous with their teams, appearing on merchandise, social media, and promotional campaigns.
• Entertainment value: From hilarious stunts to viral antics, mascots add a layer of unpredictability to the game-day experience.
In short, mascots are part of what makes hockey special—they connect fans to the game in a way stats and standings never could.
Lovable Hockey Mascots
Let’s start with the ones that fans simply can’t get enough of. These mascots are family favorites, the ones kids run to for photos and adults secretly love just as much.
Bailey (Los Angeles Kings)
Bailey the lion is one of the NHL’s most beloved mascots. With his oversized crown and cheeky personality, Bailey brings humor and joy to Kings games. Known for his interactive pranks and constant presence at community events, Bailey has become a face of the franchise.
Carlton the Bear (Toronto Maple Leafs)
As a cuddly polar bear, Carlton represents both the cold Canadian winters and the heart of Toronto hockey. He’s approachable, friendly, and a hit with families at Scotiabank Arena. Carlton was introduced in 1995 and named after Carlton Street, where Maple Leaf Gardens once stood.
Nordy (Minnesota Wild)
Nordy is the Wild’s official mascot, introduced in 2008. While his exact species is intentionally left mysterious, he’s described as a “wild animal” tied to Minnesota’s outdoorsy identity. Fans often joke that he’s part bear, part cat, and part wild thing, adding to his quirky charm.
The Funny Side of Hockey Mascots
Humor is a big part of mascot culture, and some mascots take it to another level. Their mischievous behavior and hilarious antics make them unforgettable.
Harvey the Hound (Calgary Flames)
Harvey is a trailblazer—introduced in 1983, he was the NHL’s first official long-standing mascot. This dog’s oversized tongue has become his trademark feature. Famously, Harvey got into a legendary “tongue-pulling” incident with coach Craig MacTavish in 2003—solidifying his place in hockey history.
Stormy (Carolina Hurricanes)
Stormy the pig might seem like an odd choice, but his charm has won over fans. He was introduced to highlight North Carolina’s strong ties to hog farming, a major part of the state’s culture. While unique, Stormy proves that humor and local tradition can mix into something memorable.
Gnash (Nashville Predators)
Gnash the saber-toothed cat matches the Predators’ fierce brand while still being a clown on the ice. He rappels, zip-lines, and performs stunts that always fire up the Nashville crowd.
The Bizarre Yet Iconic Mascots
Some mascots fall into a category all their own. They’re strange, sometimes confusing, but impossible to forget. These are the ones fans debate endlessly but can’t stop talking about.
Gritty (Philadelphia Flyers)
No mascot list is complete without Gritty. With googly eyes, a wild beard, and chaotic energy, Gritty became an internet sensation almost instantly after his 2018 debut. While bizarre at first, he’s now beloved not only by Flyers fans but also across sports. Gritty’s weirdness is his strength—he embodies Philadelphia’s gritty personality while bringing laughs along the way.
Howler (Arizona Coyotes)
Howler the coyote has been the team’s mascot since 2005, wearing jersey #96 in honor of the year the franchise moved to Arizona. His desert-inspired character and high-energy personality have made him a staple at Coyotes games.
Sabretooth (Buffalo Sabres)
Sabretooth, introduced in the 1980s, is based on the team’s name rather than a random design. His oversized grin and cartoon-like expressions make him one of the more unusual mascots in the NHL, but he’s deeply tied to the Sabres’ identity.
Honorable Mentions
• Tommy Hawk (Chicago Blackhawks): A fierce bird with a knack for comedy, introduced in 2001.
• Slapshot (Washington Capitals): A bald eagle that perfectly fits the U.S. capital’s patriotic branding, first appearing in 1995.
• Victor E. Green (Dallas Stars): A green alien mascot, introduced in 2014, who thrives on slapstick antics and embraces the weird side of mascot culture.
The Role of Mascots in Today’s Hockey Culture
In modern hockey, mascots do more than skate around the rink. They:
• Go viral on social media (especially Gritty, who leads the charge).
• Represent the team in the community at schools, charity events, and local celebrations.
• Create lasting childhood memories for fans who grow up associating mascots with their love for the sport.
Mascots are marketing gold, but more importantly, they’re part of what makes hockey such a fan-driven, fun-filled game.
Final Buzzer
From lovable characters like Carlton the Bear to bizarre legends like Gritty, hockey mascots bring personality and passion to the sport. They’re not just there to entertain—they’re icons that represent the heart of their franchises. The best hockey mascots are those that stick in your memory, make you laugh, and remind you that hockey is about community as much as competition.
So the next time you’re at an arena, don’t just watch the action on the ice—keep an eye out for the oversized, fur-covered entertainer roaming the stands. You might just witness a mascot moment that becomes part of hockey history.