An interview with the mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers
What made you the ideal candidate for the Flyers job?
I put in a lot of hours in my first gig here: assistant to the ice painting assistants. They bred me for hard work. I was really born to cheer this team on … silently, of course.
Your popularity skyrocketed since you were first introduced to the public. How have you dealt with the fame?
Meditation, levitation, a brief stint of incarceration. You know, the usual.
It feels like you’ve been in our lives forever, despite this only being your first season. How would you assess your rookie year?
First of all, Allen, I have been in your lives forever. As for this year, I think it was good enough for a nomination but I don’t know if I’ll be taking home any hardware. Always room for improvement.
SIKE. I was trying to be humble. You and I both know I blew it out of the water.
Any plans for the offseason?
Like most hockey players in the offseason, I spend a lot of time on the links, clangin’ some chain. Thank you for reminding me, I have to get my discs buffed soon.
How close are you with other Philadelphia team mascots and do they ever offer any advice?
Well, Lincoln Financial Field is only about a stone’s throw away, Citizen’s Bank Park is going to take me at least three with maybe a soft underhand at the end, and are we talking Sixers practice facility or game night? Getting to Camden requires sea travel because I don’t have money for tolls.
How would you describe the spirit of the Flyers and how do you represent that?
I try not to concern myself with any spirits from the afterlife around here—Ghost has told me some stories. Everyone thinks we call Shayne [Gostisbehere] that because of his last name, but no, no, no, no, no. You don’t even know the half of it.
What was your favorite moment of your first season?
Stadium Series, without a doubt. Jumped off a roof; felt the crisp, misty air betwixt my cheeks; and the Flyers beat those pesky birds [Pittsburgh Penguins] so, all in all, best day.
Julian Zeng is omni-channel content manager at the American Marketing Association. He may be reached at jzeng@ama.org.