NHL mascot East vs. West

We are just about a week away from what would have been the All-Star Game this year. The NHL decided that they will not have one this year and opted for the 4 Nations Face-off instead.

For fans, it is disappointing as the All-Star Game is always a fun time. Whether it’s watching the three-on-three tournament or the skills competition, the All-Star Week brings a ton of fun.

Some of the best events were always done with the mascots. Whether it was the fun little games they put them through or a full five-on-five game on the ice fans want to see the mascots.

With that said I want to make rosters for each conference for a full hockey game.

Eastern Conference

Left wing - Stormy the Ice Hog (Carolina Hurricanes)

To open the list we are going to start off with Stormy at LW for the east. I think this fit works perfectly because it gives the line some size. Stormy will be able to rough someone up if need be and will also be a presence in front of the net.

If any pucks are left in front Stormy will clean it up.

Center - Gritty (Philadelphia Flyers)

He hasn’t been around for as long as some others but he has become one of the most fan-liked mascots in hockey. Gritty feeds off of attention and that is what the center gets.

He needs to play in every part of the ice and Gritty will be able to do that, it’s in his name. He’s a hard worker and would fill this center role perfectly.

Right wing - Slapshot (Washington Capitals)

The Mascot for the Capitals is who I am putting at the RW spot. Every team needs a sniper and that is what Slapshot gives you.

While his name shows he would have a good shot he also gets to watch Alex Ovechkin who is chasing down the goals record.

Right defense - Stinger (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Stinger is the mascot for the Columbus Blue Jackets and he fits this role perfectly. He seems like he would be a great skater from what I have seen and will help the Eastern Conference team lock down on defense.

He seems like he would have a good shot which he can utilize for the team

Left defense - Youppi! (Montreal Canadiens)

Youppi! is a big player. That is what I am looking for with this last defenseman. Stinger can be offensive and Youppi! is a shutdown defenseman who will shutdown the player.

The Montreal Canadiens mascot is huge and will be able to throw the body.

Goalie - Blades (Boston Bruins)

Blades had been watching one of the best goalie tandems in hockey over the past couple of years and would have learned a lot from them.

Along with that, he looks like a mobile and flexible bear which works perfectly to make highlight reel saves.

Western Conference

Left wing - S.J. Sharkie (San Jose Sharks)

The West would be best served to have S.J. Sharkie on the wing. While the Sharks aren’t the best they have two of the best young players in the league which S.J. Sharkie has been watching.

He would bring creativity to the team which will lead to some great goals.

Center - Mick E. Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Mick E. Moose is a moose. He’s large but has a ton of stamina. He will fit the role of center perfectly as hell be a perfect power forward.

He should throw the body and score tons while playing great defense.

Right wing - Fin (Vancouver Canucks)

Just like Stormy for the east fin is a massive animal who will be able to sit in front and be unmoveable. As one of the biggest animals on Earth, he will screen the goalie and bury any puck that comes towards the net.

Right defense - Louie (St. Louis Blues)

Louie is a polar bear and will be a lockdown defenseman. With his size, he will be able to use his body to clear the front of the net and throw some massive hits.

Left defense - Bailey (Los Angeles Kings)

Bailey is a big lion who will be aggressive on defense throwing the body, but also on offense. He has watched players like Drew Doughty play and will be able to use that to help the Western Conference.

He’ll provide good defense and solid offense.

Goalie - Wild Wing (Anaheim Ducks)

Wild Wing is so mobile and flexible. We have seen him play goalie before and he has made some highlight-reel saves. He will continue to make those saves and be lockdown for the Western Conference in net.

If we were to have another mascot five-on-five both lineups would be great. While it would be hard to choose I feel the Eastern Conference mascots would take the win.

While we won’t have it this year hopefully we could see a mascot game at future All-Star games.

Andrew Matz is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To Contact him, email atm5759@psu.edu.