Meet Gritty: The Flyers' new team mascot

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Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Gritty makes his on-ice debut
Gritty makes his on-ice debut. Jeannette Reyes reports during Action News Mornings on September 25, 2018.

The Philadelphia Flyers have made history once again with the introduction of their new official team mascot named Gritty.

Gritty is a "seven-foot, orange, fuzzy creature, who will take an active role in embracing the Flyers community outreach initiatives in the Greater Philadelphia Region," the team said in a statement.

Flyers debut new mascot, Gritty. Watch the report from Alicia Vitarelli on Action News at 4 p.m. on September 24, 2018.

The mascot was officially revealed during an event at the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park on Monday morning, in front of over 600 students from across the Philadelphia School District.

Meet Gritty: The Flyers' new team mascot. Watch video of the official unveiling on September 24, 2018.

Gritty then made quite a memorable debut during a Flyers' pre-season game at the Wells Fargo Center Monday night.

Though he slipped while running out onto the ice, the mascot then won some fans over when he used a t-shirt gun to take out some of the ice crew.

He then appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday and 'answered' a few questions.

The Flyers say Gritty was uncovered during the construction project that is currently taking place the Center.

Gritty will be seen throughout the season on his t-shirt-shooting car.

The creature can not only skate and play hockey, but he can also blow smoke out of his ears.

"First and foremost, the Flyers adding a mascot to our fan engagement program is specifically for our young fans, and we're excited to add value to their experience both at games and in their communities," said Shawn Tilger, chief operating officer for the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Flyers had a mascot named Slapshot for a brief time in 1976.

And yes, Gritty has Twitter and Instagram accounts: @GrittyNHL.

Gritty joins the Phillie Phanatic (Phillies), Swoop (Eagles), and Franklin (76ers) as the big four sports mascots in Philadelphia.

"The Phanatic is excited to meet you, @GrittyNHL!" the Phillies tweeted.

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