Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't get backstage access this time so I had to shoot from the crowd areas and it was a really wild atmosphere. Wasn't expecting he'd come up there, but I tried my best! It was fun anyway, because you don't get that close to all the mascots that often!
I plan to be there while I hope they'll continue with the Mascot Showdown. There's no event/convention space anywhere on Long Island, although the press release mentioned "pre- and post-game festivities in The Park at UBS Arena". I know there's two outdoor rinks there, which may be suitable for the mascot games, although I'm not sure if there's space to set up bleachers, plus, there's the weather problem in late January/early February. I definitely see a problem for the NHL Fan Fair, no idea where they'd host that, yet I'm sure they don't want to get rid of showcasing all their sponsors with their "We just want your data!!!" booths. Can't see them going to Javits Center in Manhattan when it's actually the Isles hosting the ASG. Maybe Belmont Village mall will come with some event space. Gonna be interesting to see how things will develop.
This looks fun. Love the mascots. A great look into their skills. Great video, love the quality. GO BOSTON! Keep up the great job and have an aweso.e 2024.
Mascots cater to (but not only!) for kids. Kids become fans, and maybe even the season ticket holders of tomorrow. Just another reason why mascots are not only magical but also important!
He's my big idol & inspiration. Been a Panthers fan since 2006 and Stanley had a lot of positive influence on my life! He's the most down-to-earth, most approachable and sweetest NHL mascot, for sure!
Together with the Red Wings, they're the only NHL team not to have a costumed mascot. The All-Star merch store sold mascot plush toys of all the characters and for the Rangers, they simply had a generic black teddy bear wearing a Rangers jersey;) I hope they eventually start a mascot program. These creatures make a positive difference with so many people, kids young & old, including me!
@KitwanaLion right? What gives. The mascots are great. I can already think of the mascots for the red wings and Rangers. The rangers could have some sort of Western Cowboy Character and the Red Wings could have some sort of bird.
@@RR-vh9stThe Wings actually have a mascot with Al the Octopus. They used to have this creature under the rafters of their former arena and would just need to translate that character into a costume, which actually wouldn't be too hard. Al can also be seen as an illustration in Holly Preston's "NHL Mascots & Friends" children's book. I hope the Wings eventually start a mascot program to join Detroit's really awesome MLB and NFL mascots.
@@RR-vh9stYou can create a costume of almost any character and it doesn't necessarily have to be child-friendly as Gritty proves. Here's how the octopus became the Wings' de-facto mascot: Back in April 1952, two Detroit brothers (one of them a fish market owner) threw an octopus onto the ice as the Wings celebrated their first win in the Stanley Cup finals (which they ultimately would win a couple games later), and to date, the Red Wings fans still keep that tradition running after important goals or victories.
Buoy had such a presence throughout the weekend! He'd often stick around after the games for photos, hugs and autographs, one day I saw him, WIld Wing and Chance playing street hockey with the kids - and he's a great athlete, too. The Kraken really hit a home run with their mascot program, that's for sure!