Oilers’ first mascot ‘Hunter’ named after original owner
For the first time in franchise history, the Edmonton Oilers will have a mascot prowling around the rink.
The Oilers unveiled Hunter the Canadian lynx on Monday.
The mascot is named after (Wild) Bill Hunter, the original owner of the Alberta Oilers when they entered the World Hockey Association in 1972. Hunter will wear No. 72 on the back of his Oilers jersey.
The Oilers said a mascot will help the team strengthen ties in the Edmonton community.
Hunter has not been universally praised on social media. With his four sharp fangs, large head and green-tinged eyes, some Twitter posters said the mascot is likely to give kids nightmares.
But the team said the Canadian lynx was the overwhelming favourite when the team polled over 2,220 Edmonton-area students on what mascot concept they preferred.