NHL Mascots

Last reviewed: October 6, 2026

Sport mascots in National Hockey League

NHL mascots by team

30 of the 32 NHL teams have a costumed mascot. The table shows each team’s current mascot as of October 2026. Debut years appear where team and league sources agree.

NHL teams without a mascot

The New York Rangers are the only NHL team with no mascot of any kind. The Detroit Red Wings have no costumed mascot either. Al the Octopus is their giant purple octopus figure, raised to the rafters during the playoffs. The octopus-throwing tradition began in 1952.

Sources: team websites on NHL.com, Manhattan Hockey on the Rangers and news coverage, checked October 2026.

Philadelphia Flyers Mascot – Gritty

When the Philadelphia Flyers introduced Gritty as their new mascot in 2018, it was clear that he was unlike any other mascot that had come before him. His wild appearance, zany antics, and irreverent personality immediately made him a fan favorite. But Gritty was not the first mascot to represent the Philadelphia Flyers. Slapshot The first official mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers was Slapshot. He made his debut in 1976, ...
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The Pittsburgh Penguins Mascots: From Pete to Iceburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the oldest and most successful ice hockey teams in the NHL, have been entertaining crowds since their inaugural season in 1967. However, few fans know about the history of the team's mascots, from the beloved Penguin Pete to the current fan favorite, Iceburgh. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the evolution of the Pittsburgh Penguins' mascots. Penguin Pete ...
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Detroit Red Wings – Al the Octopus

Al the Octopus, a symbol of a distinct and rather unusual tradition at Detroit Red Wings games, represents the enduring custom of tossing octopuses onto the ice for good luck. This vibrant practice, unique to the professional ice hockey team, has persisted since 1952. This quirky tradition first unfolded on April 15, 1952, when Pete and Jerry Cusimano, two brothers who operated a fish market, launched an octopus onto the ...
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Carlton the Bear – Toronto Maple Leafs

Carlton made his first appearance as the Leafs' official mascot on October 10, 1995. The home opener at Maple Leaf Gardens was a 7-3 win over the New York Islanders. At the Air Canada Centre and beyond, Carlton the Bear has been an integral part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization; both in spirit and action. During pregame festivities for NHL games - home and away - you'll usually find ...
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New York Rangers Mascot

As of November 2021, there are two NHL teams without an official mascot. The New York Rangers have never had a mascot while the Seattle Kraken are new to the league ...
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