Flyers' new mascot Gritty is… strange

gritty-mascot
Photo credit Instagram: philadelphiaflyers
By Ben Krimmel

The Philadelphia Flyers unveiled a new mascot this week. It is a large, orange, half-Sesame Street, half-I-don't-know-what, bug-eyed creature named Gritty.

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the #Flyers Family, @grittynhl !! Learn more about Gritty: PhiladelphiaFlyers.com/Gritty
A post shared by Philadelphia Flyers (@philadelphiaflyers) on Sep 24, 2018 at 8:19am PDT

Together... Forever ---- pic.twitter.com/7p1eivA39P

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) September 26, 2018

What the heck is that thing? Is it supposed to be funny? Intimidating? An appeal to children? Or is this all an elaborate practical joke?

Goodnight, internet. pic.twitter.com/gx2Pbxfcds

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) September 25, 2018

Why, Gritty? Why? 

Gritty meanwhile is having a bit of a problem while on the ice.

ICE IS SLIPPERY, GRITTY pic.twitter.com/9R6GJHbHMP

— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) September 25, 2018

Gritty back out on ice between periods with T-shirt gun. The boos continue. pic.twitter.com/LCvQt8FfTx

— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) September 25, 2018

And it doesn't get any less creepy. Here is Gritty Photoshopped into the background of stock images. 

I Photoshopped the new Flyers mascot "Gritty" into the background of a bunch of stock images...THREAD... pic.twitter.com/Ztjb4H4vED

— Benstonium (@Benstonium) September 27, 2018  

Well, not every team in hockey had an offseason like the Washington Capitals.

A day that will never be forgotten. The Washington Capitals and D.C. are #StanleyCup CHAMPIONS. Soak it in: https://t.co/3IuX90K0mc pic.twitter.com/JBd9juXHks

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 13, 2018

Follow @1067theFan on Twitter.