If you read my World Series predictions in last week’s column, pretend you didn’t. This week I am revoking my prediction privileges, and we are going to talk about something I can’t be proven wrong on — at least statistically speaking.
Today, we are going to do something a bit out of the ordinary. In the spirit of the NHL season beginning last week, I am going to categorize some of the league’s most beloved mascots as iconic or tragic — because apparently no fan base is complete without a random fuzzy creature.
Big fan of this thing
The Pittsburgh Penguins keep things simple, and it works for them. Iceburgh the Penguin is both cuddly and hilarious, no notes.
The Dallas Stars thought a bit outside the box with Victor E. Green, the alien standing at a whopping 84 pucks. Not only is Vic loveable, but he is also relatable, as his relationship status in his official bio is listed as “alienated.” Good work, Dallas.
This column would not exist without mentioning the beloved orange fluffy guy with googly eyes from Philadelphia. Gritty, the Flyers mascot, embodies the spirit of Philly with his chaotic nature, making him the best mascot in the league. No doubt.
This is a creature of my nightmares
Hunter the Lynx is something I pray to never cross paths with in the flesh. That critter is terrifying. According to his bio on the Edmonton Oilers website, he is based off their original owner — but I still don’t get it.
While the Vancouver Canucks could have chosen quite literally anything to represent their Canadian identity, I will never understand why they chose Fin the Whale. Not only is their mascot an orca whale with legs, but he also has a dorsal fin coming directly out of the back of his head. I’m not really sure what’s going on with that.
While the Anaheim Ducks have one of the sickest logos in the league, it should have never been brought to life. Wild Wing, the goalie-themed duck, was an excellent idea in theory — but the execution is rather frightening.
A longstanding tradition of the Detroit Red Wings is the Legend of the Octopus, as fans still occasionally toss an octopus onto the ice. Though they do not have a physical character, the Red Wings have adopted Al the Octopus as an unofficial mascot. Unique? Yes. Strange? Even more so.
Welcome to the world, Tusky!
The newest addition to the NHL mascot family is Utah Mammoth’s Tusky. The mohawked mammoth made his first appearance in Utah’s 2025 home opener by emerging out of an ice block and showing off his skating skills.
Tusky has been well-received by fans thus far, and I am excited to see more from this prehistoric pal this season.
White is the sports editor.