Edmonton Mascot Will Haunt Nightmares

Was anyone aware that the Edmonton Oilers needed a new mascot? I wasn't aware. It's always a roll of the dice when it comes to designing a mascot that captures the essence of your team's image and brand while balancing the need for that mascot to be loved by the children of the community. In other words, the Oilers probably shouldn't model their new mascot after Gary the No-Trash Cougar, yet it seems that the team is fine with frightening children and some adults with its newest brand image. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Ladies and gentlemen, I don't mean to do this to you, but I want to introduce you to Hunter. Again, you were warned.

Click Here For Hunter

Holy moly, I was not ready for that. Apparently, Hunter is a Canadian lynx - not be confused with the Irkutsk lynx from Russia - that was named after the first owner of the Oilers, "Wild" Bill Hunter. Wild might be the only thing that Hunter and Bill Hunter have in common. Honestly, how many five year-olds are going to wail when Hunter bends down for a hug? That cat will haunt the nightmares of those kids for years to come.

Reactions have been varied as you may imagine. For instance, the always-popular tweeting sensation known as Roberto Luongo weighed in with his thoughts.

WTF is that??? https://t.co/IfsboNo2oO

— Strombone (@strombone1) September 26, 2016

Others, however, were not as kind as Luongo.

@EdmontonOilers It's more horrific than the last ten seasons of hockey combined 😕

— The Ghost of Lips (@ColdLipstick) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/VSlG4Yyncl

— Harrison Lee (@HLLivingLoco) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers my wife's first reaction was fear

— hunkE (@hunkEmusic) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers this is the worst mascot ever

— Kv (@kvpanesar) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers Someone needs to shoot that thing.

— B.D. Gallof (@BDGallof) September 26, 2016

Some fans did show support for the first mascot in Oilers history.

@EdmontonOilers ...... I'm laughing at the people who think this is scary. He's pretty cute imo.

— real keg (@the_real_keg) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers I love it

— mike (@NoThotsMike) September 26, 2016

@EdmontonOilers I will call it 'Mittens'

— Jumppa Hällfors (@Jumppa) September 26, 2016

In general, the sentiment seems to be that the Oilers missed the mark in introducing Hunter to the world. What do you think? Have your take in the comments below. I'd like to see what readers of HBIC think considering some of the mascots we've seen over the ages. Is Hunter better than any of the current NHL mascots? Sound off below!

I have to get some more work done, so I'll respond to any comments when I can!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!