Ever wanted to be an NHL mascot or anthem singer? Apply to the Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are looking for a new anthem singer and mascot for the NHL, WHL and national lacrosse league teams in the city. Ever made fun of anyone in either position, or thought you could do better? Put your money where your mouth is.

Have you ever watched a professional sports mascot do his thing and think "well I could do better than that"? Have you ever heard a rendition of the national anthem that you didn't particularly like, laughed at a singer for flubbing the lyrics, or slipping and falling to the ice?

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGH-IazFuyI[/embed]

(Feel bad for the lady; still going to watch the video.) Well, it's time to put your money where your mouth is. The Calgary Flames have a couple job openings within the organization. First, the team is looking for someone to sing the Canadian and American national anthems at Calgary Flames, Hitmen and lacrosse's Roughneck games (plus other performances as requested) for the upcoming season. From the

job posting on Workopolis:

The Calgary Flames offer:

· Competitive wage

· Dental and medical coverage

· Health care spending account

· RRSP matching

· Parking

· Staff discounts/Rewards Program

· Staff events The posting requests that all potential candidates send in full audio or YouTube clips for consideration.

Note to the winner: Get on with it already. Don't take 10 drawn-out minutes to finish either anthem. We have a hockey game to watch. The Flames are also looking for someone to take over as Harvey the Hound, the NHL's first mascot and one

we ranked No. 2 in the NHL earlier this year. Now, this one may be tricky. Being a mascot requires you to remain upbeat, engaging, exciting and entertaining from October right through the end of the season, both at and away from the rink at community events. And the Flames, well, they probably don't have a lot to get excited about this year. All potential candidates must dance around with visions of Connor McDavid in their head. That'll keep spirits up. This

job posting is also on Workopolis. And if you think it's easy to be a professional mascot, think again:

This position requires a medium to heavy level of physical fitness; must be capable of being inside the mascot suit for 3-4 hours at a time. Primary duties will require you to stand for 4-5 hours at a time, walk up and down stairs, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push and/or pull objects up to 250 pounds with appropriate equipment. Not listed in the job posting is another demand of the Calgary mascot position: Harvey the Hound must also be prepared to tussle with the coaching staff of the Edmonton Oilers. He's an enforcer as much as an entertainer.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JeF271w2WE[/embed]

If you apply to be the next Harvey the Hound, you also should be prepared to play the part of Honey Badger, the mush less-loved mascot of the NLL's Calgary Roughnecks. In 2012, Honey Badger replaced Derrick Driller, a rig worker wearing a hard hat. The Honey Badger also wears a hard hat, but

I can't tell whether he's smiling, or if he's going to eat my face off. What was

so wrong with Derrick anyway? A mascot needs to have some moves. He needs to have a shtick to fall back on. If you became the next Harvey, what would you signature be? Prayer?

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