By Douglas Ernst - The Washington Times - Monday, September 24, 2018

Social-media users were not kind to the Philadelphia Flyers’ new mascot “Gritty” after its debut on Monday.

Backlash was instantaneous on Twitter when the NHL team revealed a “feisty” mascot, which fans likened to a nightmarish creature from “The Muppets.”

“It me. #Gritty,” the mascot’s account declared.

“His father was a ’bully,’ so naturally he has some of those tendencies — talented but feisty, a fierce competitor, known for his agility given his size,” its NHL bio page added. “He’s loyal but mischievous; the ultimate Flyers fan who loves the orange and black, but is unwelcoming to anyone who opposes his team. Legend has it he earned the name ’Gritty’ for possessing an attitude so similar to the team he follows.”

Feedback included:

  • The Bleacher Report NHL wrote: “The Flyers new mascot is absolutely terrifying.”
  • Philly Inquirer reported: “’Gritty’ was debuted to young fans at an unveiling ceremony at the Please Touch Museum, where we imagine the children were immediately told not to touch him.”
  • “Thanks for the nightmares.”
  • “That feeling when you wake up in hell.”
  • “It looks like if animal from The Muppets got addicted to cocaine and started taking steroids.”
  • “Just think of the terrified children as ’Gritty’ approaches them. Those eyes are soul snatchers and I cant be convinced otherwise.
  •  “I replaced famous movie monsters with new Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty and the sheer horror remains intact.”

The mascot’s bio page ended with assertion that no matter what hockey fans think of him, he’s “one of our own.”

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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