mascots

It took less than 24 hours for Gritty to transform from abomination to obsession. But before that fateful day, there were months of planning – and four different kinds of eyebrows.

The Edmonton Oilers have their first mascot in franchise history, and kids seem to like Hunter, the Canadian lynx, despite the fact he has piercing cat eyes and fangs.

For three years, the University of North Dakota athletic program has been without a nickname, but a public vote finally ended with ‘Fighting Hawks’ selected as the new moniker for the athletic program. UND has gone by ‘North Dakota’ in most competitions since ceasing the use of the ‘Fighting Sioux’ name and logo.

The Las Vegas expansion bid was filed under Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC, but more than 40 percent of respondents to a poll hosted by the Las Vegas Sun are behind called the potential Las Vegas NHL franchise the ‘Aces.’ Prospective owner Bill Foley has said the team name will be determined by season ticket depositors.

The Quebec League's Shawinigan Cataractes have found themselves mired in controversy due to a First Nations-themed marketing campaign, while University of North Dakota fans still lament the loss of the Fighting Sioux name. But history can't always be written by the winners.

The University of North Dakota may not be without a nickname for much longer. Nearly three years have passed since the "Fighting Sioux" moniker was retired and the school's Nickname Committee has made public the list of potential names for the schools athletics. The most common suggestions under consideration are Flickertails, North Stars and continuing without a nickname.

Gabe Langlois has grown a cult following thanks to his unbridled enthusiasm and bold moves at Winnipeg Jets games and beyond

The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Alaska Nanooks team has a jumbotron hockey video that must be seen to be believed. It's the closest hockey may ever get to having its own Fantasia movie.

Scorch, the mascot for the Adirondack Flames, died in a blaze of, er, glory, last weekend before appearing in his first game for the team. Seeing as he killed a fire fighter, perhaps it was all for the best that he was banished before his career began.

The Nashville Predators mascot is out six-to-eight weeks with a broken fibula and it's no laughing matter. It turns out Gnash is an unwitting pawn in an elaborate scheme to exploit him and he can't talk about it. Seriously, he literally can't talk.

The Dallas Stars have unveiled a new mascot for 2014-15, and the fan consensus has been hugely negative. But isn't better to be different than forgettable?

If you think you're a die-hard fan, check out the artwork Dawn Mounce had tattooed on her leg to commemorate the Los Angeles Kings' second Stanley Cup. It took 16 hours of work by tattoo artist Sean Heirigs, but the result is impressive.

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.

Game 1 in each quarterfinal series has been claimed by the team whose mascot won the THN.com showdown. Coincidence? I’ll leave that up to you. But you might want to play it safe and vote to pick the better mascot in the Kings-Ducks series (and potentially will your team to a Game 1 win)…

Montreal’s Youppi! dominated Boston’s Blades yesterday, getting two thirds of the fan vote. And since the Penguins’ Iceburgh gets a walk since the Rangers don’t employee a plush-covered prodder, we move on to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild. Which team’s mascot is better?

The series between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will be settled on the ice, but the "who's the better mascot" war will be settle right here, right now.

Los Angeles Kings mascot Bailey was selected by the Cartoon Network as the best in his trade of the four major professional sports leagues.

Harvey the Hound, SJ Sharkie, Mick E. Moose and, of course, Youppi all appear in this top 10 ranking of the NHL's best mascots.