As we watched the NHL team's five mascots stroll through the halls and rink of the Videotron Center on Saturday as part of the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, one question was on our lips: How do we become the mascot of one of them? them? the 32 teams on the Bettman circuit?
Landing on Friday in Quebec, NJ Devil (New Jersey Devils), Louie (St. Louis Blues), Hunter (Edmonton Oilers), Buoy (Seattle Kraken) and Thunder Bug (Tampa Bay Lightning) multiplied the pirouettes, hugs and photos with People gathered at the Videotron for the official opening day of the 64th Pee Wee Tournament.
The Journal spoke to two of them: the Oilers' mascot, Hunter, but above all – and fortunately – the one who plays him, Chad Spencer, as well as another who agreed to introduce us to his world, if his Anonymity is maintained. due to a clause in his contract.
And there is something absolutely fascinating about this world.
The Gritty Effect
Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty next to Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter during the recent NHL All-Star Game. Photo Getty Images via AFP
There are 30 in total, while only the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers have none. These giant dogs have become a very important promotional tool for the various marketing teams in the NHL, and the explosion in popularity of the Flyers' mascot, Gritty, a few years ago demonstrated this. We'll come back to that.
No mascot is more popular, or at least none receives as much attention as Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers' ruthless mascot. Founded in 2018, Gritty has become a real phenomenon on social networks.
“It changed the situation,” says the anonymous mascot. The teams realized how much they could benefit from the reactions on social networks. Gritty, he sells sweaters! On a marketing level, it showed teams that a mascot added value.”
A full-time job
The Tampa Bay Lightning's mascot, Thunder Bug, at the Videotron Center rink on Saturday. Photo agency QMI, Pascal Huot
First, you need to understand that each team manages its mascot differently. While just over three-quarters of mascots in the NHL are played by the same person who makes a living putting on the costume, other teams employ a small team who share the schedule and appearances.
For some it can be a very paying job!
Chad Spencer got his start in the field in 2006 through a combination of circumstances when the mascot for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Junior League suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident. An acquaintance then contacted Spencer, who was already active in the entertainment world as an actor and magician.
“I worked in a factory that made tires. I was making $85,000 a year and there was nothing to complain about! But as soon as I put the costume on, I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life.”
He then climbed up the rankings and took part in several castings until he landed the role of Tux, the mascot of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the parent club of the NHL Penguins. Then in 2017, after several NHL teams turned him down, the Oilers hired him as a hunter. Incidentally, he had attended a mascot “boot camp” organized by David Raymond, the first to wear the costume of the legendary Phillie Phanatic, the mascot of Major Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies.
“I have the best job in the world. I make people laugh, I watch hockey games and I also make about twice as much as I did in the tire factory!” he says unfiltered.
But the job isn't just about marching during games. Chad Spencer estimates he makes 300 appearances a year, including birthday parties and weddings.
Like an ice hockey team
Those nostalgic were also able to spend time with Nordiques mascot Badaboum on Saturday. Photo agency QMI, Pascal Huot
If there is no “union” of mascots, since they are all managed individually by their respective teams, there is still a “code,” explained to us the other mascot, who prefers that we do not give him a name.
“It’s a bit like a hockey team. All of the mascots were in attendance at the recent All-Star Game and there was a real hockey locker room atmosphere in the locker room before putting on the costumes. There are veterans and new ones, and unlike players who play different positions, the mascots all play a different role and have a different personality,” he says, adding that the Canadiens' mascot, Youppi!, is a minor legend of the group. was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2019.
Furthermore, Gritty's arrival also took place in a scenario worthy of a hockey locker room.
“When that suit exploded, the human’s head underneath swelled a little! A bit like a young recruit walking into a locker room thinking he's the king of the place. We had to bring him back a little and he understood. He’s a really good guy who understood the difference between the suit and the human.”
In touch every month
The St. Louis Blues mascot, Louie. Photo agency QMI, Pascal Huot
Each month, the mascots discuss what has worked for them via a conference call each month. An NHL mascot convention is also organized there in the summer.
“It’s an interesting dynamic! “Thirty people with big egos and a lot of personality meetings, which means there’s a lot of action,” Chad Spencer says with a laugh.
These conferences cover all topics including how to wash your suit!
“We also had a speaker who explained to us how they managed to create a buzz around a character in WWE. They give us tips on what we can do to help each mascot advance in their market,” the other mascot adds under his costume.
And for those wondering why Youppi didn't travel to Quebec, he already had commitments with the Canadian, who plays two local games at the Bell Center this weekend.