Comments are welcome while open. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Oilers' new mascot not winning any popularity contests, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. We encountered an issue signing you up. According to the team, Hunter is a tribute to "Wild Bill" Hunter, the original owner of the Edmonton Oilers, a franchise founded in 1972. Some of the reaction evoked words such as "demon" and "soul-eating wildcats.". Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. “During the winter of 2013 I heard many shinny players talking about a new, world-class building that my beloved Oilers were going to play in. Sign up today to get the best features and analysis from the NHL and beyond. Join the mailing list to receive daily email updates. Oiler existence began as a cartoon character that first appeared in 1937. The hordes on social media reaction was quick to term the shaggy, orange Gritty quite frightening, maybe even the most-terrifying mascot of all. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Hunter’s is at risk. However, among the target audience and the people who really matter when it comes to the mascot, Hunter seems to be a hit.

They both look like they could rip your face off.
Hunter’s unveiling has been met with, uh, mixed reviews, we’ll say. But in a face-off between two of the NHL’s newest mascots, who would be doing most of the clawing, mauling and tearing: the Philadelphia Flyers’ Gritty, introduced to the masses on Monday, or the Edmonton Oilers’ Hunter, who horrified the hockey world upon his debut two years ago? The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday morning that they had a new team member; Hunter, the organization's very first mascot. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Tweet @hockeynight to let us know. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Read more about cookies here. Click here.​. The team's first mascot will be a presence at home games as the team moves into the new … We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Just as the finishing touches were being made to the building, I revealed myself to the Oilers.”. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. © 2020 Edmonton Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. “Having that mascot character to do the things in the community, especially in the child-centric places, whether it’s festival, hospital or school visits, is going to be a nice piece to engage those future Oilers fans.”.

Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Edmonton SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. You could buy merch with his image on it and he would walk around during the games. The Edmonton Oilers have their first mascot in franchise history, and kids seem to like Hunter, the Canadian lynx, despite the fact he has piercing cat eyes and fangs. The Oilers unveiled "Hunter" the Canadian lynx on Tuesday. The Oilers first year in the NHL (79/80) they actually did have a mascot named Eddy the Oiler. Please try again. pic.twitter.com/HT5aopiJ2O. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Back to video. The last time I was this terrified of a mascot was when the Oilers introduced 'Hunter.'

The reaction echoed what we saw in September 2016, when the Oilers unveiled Hunter.

Want more in-depth features and expert analysis on the game you love? We apologize, but this video has failed to load. The next issue of Edmonton Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. While mascots are usually most popular with children, fans were quick to point out that the 'Canadian Lynx' could very well be making appearances in kid's nightmares instead. I was ecstatic, and knew right then and there that this was my chance to get in on the action,” Hunter’s origin story reads. The mascot is a lynx, named ‘Hunter’ in honor of original Oilers owner Bill Hunter.

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What a pleasant surprise an almost seven-foot-tall lynx with piercing eyes must have been for those lucky few who first got to meet Hunter. One of those new traditions includes the introduction of a mascot, the first-ever in franchise history. Perhaps instead of Hunter, the Oilers mascot should have been named Daryl in honour of the recluse Oilers owner. A fair share have pointed out the connection between Hunter, a lynx, and the Oilers hitting the links early for the past decade, and the eyes and fangs haven’t helped make Hunter look that inviting a furry friend. Who is scarier: Philadelphia Flyers' mascot Gritty, left, or the Edmonton Oilers' Hunter? During Findlay's first 55 years, the University did not have an established mascot. There are lynxes throughout the Edmonton River Valley, which is said to be where Hunter came from, but the origin story for the mascot goes well beyond him just showing up to work after making the trek to Rogers Place. It includes watching kids play hockey after coming out at night to hunt and him burrowing under Rogers Place until the building was ready. Blackhawks clear cap and roster space for next generation while Kings get some help now. voice of Mark Lewis. Which begs the question — Who is do you think is more terrifying: Gritty or Hunter? It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. What do you think of Edmonton's new mascot? © 2020 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd, The mascot is a lynx, named ‘Hunter’ in honor of original Oilers owner Bill Hunter, It includes watching kids play hockey after coming out at night to hunt, Oiler Entertainment Group senior vice-president of marketing Jeff Harrop told the Edmonton Sun’s Terry Jones. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. Gone is the P.A. While the anthropomorphic animal may seem an odd choice when a big ol’ oil drop with eyes probably would have sufficed for a mascot, there is a bit of a backstory for Hunter. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. “On the night before the first shovel hit the ground, I packed up my stuff and made my way to 104 Ave and 104 Street, where I built a secret den under the construction site, watching and waiting for this magnificent building to be completed. Whose mascot is scarier: Oilers' Hunter or Flyers' Gritty? More than 2,000 kids were surveyed and Hunter was the most popular choice for the new mascot, and the kids seemed less frightened by his gaze than one would expect. Sleep with one eye open tonight, bird. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Many a meme featured Hunter preying and feasting on young fans. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. The Edmonton Oilers have their first mascot in franchise history, and kids seem to like Hunter, the Canadian lynx, despite the fact he has piercing cat eyes and fangs. “The mascot character will certainly not be at the forefront of our game-night experience but will add a new element to our presentation toolkit,” Oiler Entertainment Group senior vice-president of marketing Jeff Harrop told the Edmonton Sun’s Terry Jones. While mascots are usually most popular with children, fans were quick to point out that the 'Canadian Lynx' could very well be making appearances in kid's nightmares instead. And while it’s all well and good that the Oilers are trying to get into the mascot game for the first time, the creation the team has introduced is more on the side of terrifying than cute and cuddly. That fact did little to ease the criticism. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday morning that they had a new team member; Hunter, the organization's very first mascot. tap here to see other videos from our team. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

From 1984 through 2000 there were several versions of a mascot that made an appearance, but none of them stuck. And much like the iconic movie, the team's tales verge on unbelievable. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. Take a look at what fans have been saying on social media: On mobile and can't view tweets? Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine. Edmonton Oilers Fanatics Authentic Young Collectors Bundle - Includes Team Stadium 10.5" x 13" Plaque, 2019 Model Official Game Puck and Unsigned 8" x 10" Mascot Photograph Ships Free $29.99 Whose mascot is scarier: Oilers' Hunter or Flyers' Gritty?

pic.twitter.com/wLmGBa0Oyh, Welcome to the NHL, Gritty. The Edmonton Oilers said goodbye to Rexall Place this past season, leaving behind 42 years of memories and tradition, but with the official NHL opening of Rogers Place only weeks away, the Oilers are looking to start some new traditions. But in a face-off between two of the NHL’s newest mascots, who would be …

The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday morning that they had a new team member; Hunter, the organization's very first mascot. https://t.co/9YUQZDhCdO, Rejoice Oilers fans, Hunter is no longer the most terrifying mascot in the league #OhSweetJesus https://t.co/Hjbdfjxye7, In the world of terrifying mascots today. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Not a subscriber?
pic.twitter.com/2D25vB3TYE, i’m done for the day @NHLFlyers #gritty pic.twitter.com/ELd4G5CX6W.

He was a Orange Oil Drop with a hockey stick and skates. It wasn't that Matt Niskanen didn't want to play hockey anymore, it was the prospect of preparing for another NHL season that is shrouded in uncertainty that caused him to walk away, said his agent. The Firebirds skated in the NAHL, the league that inspired Slap Shot. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities).