Send this page to someone via email

With the start of the regular season just around the corner, the Philadelphia Flyers unveiled the team’s new mascot named Gritty.

On Monday, the NHL team revealed the orange, overweight, googly-eyed monster, the Flyers’ second mascot in team history.

READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers to celebrate 40th season with fan event, special retro jersey

“His father was a ‘bully,’ so naturally he has some of those tendencies — talented but feisty, a fierce competitor, known for his agility given his size,” the team boasts on its website. “He’s loyal but mischievous; the ultimate Flyers fan who loves the orange and black, but is unwelcoming to anyone who opposes his team.

Story continues below advertisement

“Legend has it he earned the name “Gritty” for possessing an attitude so similar to the team he follows,” according to the Flyers.

The NHL team previously had a mascot dubbed Slapshot in 1976. However, it only lasted less than a year.

As for Gritty, the mascot will make its game debut on Monday night, when the Flyers are home to take on the Boston Bruins. How will the hometown fans react? If social media is any indicator, the Flyers just unveiled “the most terrifying mascot in the NHL.”

TFW you're the most terrifying mascot in the NHL pic.twitter.com/0IGCu00N82 — Terry (@tlheard12) September 24, 2018

“If this thing tries to touch me, I’m launching a beer at its head,” TJ Schirmer tweeted.

If this thing tries to touch me, I’m launching a beer at its head — TJ Schirmer (@tjschirmer15) September 24, 2018

“Guys, I’m being sincere, this just doesn’t work. Gritty has hidden bodies under floor boards,” reads another comment.

Guys, I’m being sincere, this just doesn’t work. Gritty has hidden bodies under floor boards — Geoff (@geoffmang) September 24, 2018

“Can’t wait to see this at games, I don’t like sleep anyway,” another user chimed in.

can't wait to see this at games, i don't like sleep anyway. pic.twitter.com/X0MZ6DJ3wN — ej (@ejaguado) September 24, 2018

Here’s a look at some of the reaction:

This picture is the stuff of nightmares. — Broad Street Bully (@TheBSBPodcast) September 24, 2018

Story continues below advertisement

Send this thing back to wherever the hell it came from — Matt (@Gatt_Mallo) September 24, 2018

This is what happens when you shave Gritty. pic.twitter.com/a4dQYT58Sx — Antoine Bugle Boy (@MrButterChicken) September 24, 2018