Street Hockey - 2024 NHL Mascot Showdown - NHL All-Star Weekend - Toronto

On Saturday noon during the 2024 NHL Mascot Showdown, our beloved, cuddly mascots from around the league geared up for an exciting Street Hockey Game as the Eastern Conference faced their Western counterparts in a fast-paced and goal-filled street hockey game!
But hey, Gritty, if you ever disappoint my boy Stanley C. Panther again...!
Contents of this video:
00:00 Mascot Introductions
06:23 Group Photo
09:18 1st Period
20:35 2nd Period
29:22 3rd Period
40:02 Shootout
41:12 Winner Celebration & Group Photo
44:12 Bonus Footage: Stanley C. Panther
Recorded, edited & uploaded by Reto "Kitwana Lion" Kurmann. Host: Mike Todd
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the NHL Fan Fair in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Special thanks to my big favorite and inspiration, Stanley C. Panther for the extra time he spent with me! There's truly no mascot like him, going the extra mile for his fans like me!
Stanley C. Panther has a very special place in my heart and went great lengths to make sure to provide me with some extra magical moments. Back in 2006, I came from Switzerland to attend a Panthers game during my Florida vacation - and randomly met Stanley - without even knowing before that a mascot would be present. I had no idea about mascots as mascotting isn’t that big in my country. That random moment of meeting Stanley C. Panther would have a lasting impact on me. I was born with a birth defect called Congenital Varicella Syndrome that has relying me on a feeding tube. Up until 2014, this condition caused me to be bedridden for up to 150 days a year. During this time, after my 1st visit to a Panthers game, I began to research about Stanley C. Panther and mascots in general and found out what they do in the community. Watching Stanley’s heartwarming content that often had him visit little kids in hospitals, do charity work or attend birthday parties, helped me smile during a difficult time of my life. That‘s why he‘s so special to me, that‘s why I‘m so thankful for what he does to me & others! Thank you so much, Stanley, for all these little magical moments, the joy and smiles you spread to me during this weekend! You are truly South Florida’s Coolest Cat!
Let’s Go PANTHERS!
Lions are social animals!
/ kitwanalion
/ kitwanalion
/ kitwanalion
Telegram: @kitwanalion
This video does not contain any product placement.
DISCLAIMER:
While this video is family-friendly and safe to watch for everyone, its main target audience are adults. It has therefore been set as "Not for kids" to comply with the COPPA. Should you be unable to leave a comment below, please use my social media outlets listed above.
Thank you!
Yours Cuddly,
Kitwana

[@tanyavictoria1629]

Oh my heart with the hug at the end with Stanley! 💕So amazing! I hope y’all are having a great time! Thanks for posting all the videos!

[@KitwanaLion]

The NHL has a bunch of great mascots, yet Stanley C. Panther is unlike any other, that's what I can tell after observing them this weekend! He'd always stick around the longest after the exhausting games, making sure everyone would get their photo, hug or autograph. All usually without a handler! The unique selling point of Stanley is that he isn't Gritty - meaning: He isn't the crazy stunt athlete and not the biggest social media influencer that needs his own security person. This keeps him approachable and down-to-earth. His character is completely based around positive emotions. After undergoing a few minor cosmetic surgeries, Stanley's now at a point where he can claim to be THE NHL mascot that's the most suitable for toddlers and small children - and he knows to make use of it, if you look at the fact how much time he spends visiting children's hospitals! Stanley is "the mascot of the people", so to say. One of us. Truly couldn't ask for a better mascot representing our Florida Panthers! He's very, very sweet and an all-around adorable cat! Keep being you, Stanley!

[@kinggoldenfursuitter7309]

Seeing these nhl mascots play hockey is so awesome.Awesome video.Keep up the great work.

[@IorekByrnison086]

Seeing these mascots play hockey is so cool. Great video. Love it. Keep up the great job.

[@KitwanaLion]

It was so FUN to watch, seeing them move, fight, compete in a fierce but friendly way (except for Gritty). I felt so sorry for Stanley, he couldn't expect Gritty to fire a shot on him:(

[@IorekByrnison086]

@@KitwanaLion That's was epic.

[@emily91303]

0:52 I’m a stars ✨ fan! I live in Texas!

[@KitwanaLion]

I'm glad for you that - unlike at the 2023 Mascot Showdown in Florida - Victor E. Green was able to take part in! He's a fun, unique character!

[@ChristopherGomes-UnknownLocati]

what a fun weekend! - the mascot activities were my favourite, love how energetic they all were, different characteristics too. love it.

[@KitwanaLion]

No one celebrates their mascots like the NHL and I truly hope they'll bring back the Showdown for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, when Sparky would be the host mascot! I have attended the two most recent Showdowns and I've always heard the same from so many people that they only came to meet the mascots! You could clearly tell the difference between the mascots when it came to mingling with the fans. There was a group that really went the extra mile and would hang around after the exhausting games, making sure everyone would get their hugs, photos and autographs! Most notably, Stanley C. Panther, Stinger, Wild Wing, Buoy, Gnash and Sparky. Being around them makes me feel like a 5 years old child, there's really something magical in meeting and watching mascots!

[@alexgeorge501]

I once saw an all-mascot game at a Toronto Raptors game once!

[@scottdecker9115]

I love these mascot hockey games. Hey EA Sports, you should have this feature in the next NHL game. Let the fans have a little fun! 🙂

[@KitwanaLion]

Not a gamer at all, but AFAIK, the mascots have been (or still are?) included as part of the audience in recent NHL games, there's screencaps if you run an image search on Google. Don't think they're playable characters but at least they're there. The way the NHL has been pushing and marketing their mascots within the last 10 years, I wouldn't be surprised if they'll integrate them even more in the future.

[@RockAndRollBeMyFaith]

You can play as mascots in NHL Threes mode from I think ‘18 on.

[@KitwanaLion]

@@RockAndRollBeMyFaithOh, now that's awesome!

[@JoeBidenfan666]

Is Chester gonna be the New York Rangers mascot

[@KitwanaLion]

Haha, they may very well agree to a deal! I found it funny that the official merch store here at the Fan Fair sold a generic black teddy bear-like plush, dressed in a Rangers jersey among all the real mascot plush toys. Maybe they just unintentionally leaked an upcoming NY Rangers mascot! *lol*

[@ChristianB0421]

Yeah lol

[@amandacartrettewithautism6885]

How Was The Hockey Game, Kitwana Lion?

[@KitwanaLion]

It was really fun to watch from our location, a dream come true to be so close to all mascots! However, that typical mean Gritty prank by scoring past Stanley into his own next shouldn't have been there. Stanley got visibly upset for a reason, even though the Eastern Conference ultimately won.

[@Cooperprowrestlingfan]

This was more entertaining than a lot of the NHL games that happen.

[@KitwanaLion]

Believe it or not, that's been the echo of countless fans that I've encountered at the two most recent Mascot Showdowns. Especially the All-Star Skills and Game itself has a huge problem in its current format, because it's been obvious the players simply don't make an effort and don't care anymore. It's probably going to get worse for the 2026 edition, since they'll be flying to the Olympics straight from the ASG Weekend. Who would want to risk an injury just mere days before the Olympics??? There's been so many people that view the Mascot Showdown as the main event of the entire weekend and just attend for that.

[@Cooperprowrestlingfan]

@@KitwanaLion See you get it. NGL I just am getting back into NHL.for the first time in like 10 years. But the games I have watched haven’t been as entertaining as this Mascot game.

[@KitwanaLion]

For the NHL in general, I'd say a lot depends on what team you're a fan of. If you root for the Sharks or Blackhawks, there's certainly a lot to be desired right now while I as a Panthers fan can't really complain in recent years, good share of some really close games and goals that had me out of my seat and things are going to get more intense in the playoffs. But of course, the NHL's on-ice product is ever-changing. My pet peeves with the league are stuff like ads on jerseys, aggressively pushing gambling, digital ads on the boards, the Fanatics jersey deal, stuff like that. The game itself I still love like no other!

[@Cooperprowrestlingfan]

@@KitwanaLion I currently don’t have a favorite team. I only watch the game’s that I get for free on TV. Ain’t no way I’m paying for some type of subscription

[@KitwanaLion]

@@CooperprowrestlingfanThat is a very valid point. These streaming services add up very quickly and I don't like the direction this is headed at all.

[@tammym3661]

So cute and fun for fans!

[@thekingofmovies193]

I can't wait for Musical chairs tomorrow.

[@mr.wafflesutttpbeeson1358]

Who was the most valuable mascot? Let me guess. It was Carleton.

[@KitwanaLion]

We're gonna find out this afternoon. The MVM award is being awarded after Musical Chairs.

[@JoeBidenfan666]

Stinger

[@mr.wafflesutttpbeeson1358]

@@JoeBidenfan666 stop predicting

[@mr.wafflesutttpbeeson1358]

@@KitwanaLion thanks

[@Woody13ify]

Jesus even Leaf haters hate Carlton our lovable Bear wtf 😳🙄😱🤦‍♂️

[@user-nx5tm2ro7u]

I love your vids of this buddy

[@animeprincessmii4703]

Haven't you tried livestreaming the showdown in time before the upload? 🔴

[@KitwanaLion]

I’ll have a full-length video of Musical Chairs available tomorrow.

[@mr.wafflesutttpbeeson1358]

Also, where is the next NHL all-star weekend located?

[@jeniasmackay7931]

Boston in USA possibly and Canada Toronto possibly.. 4 national face off

[@KitwanaLion]

@@jeniasmackay7931 There won't be an All-Star weekend and therefore likely no Mascot Showdown for the foreseeable future, with the 4 Nations Faceoff in 2025 and the 2026 Winter Olympics. It became obvious that most players simply don't care anymore about the All-Star Skills & Game.

[@JoeBidenfan666]

⁠@@KitwanaLionIt’s actually unknown where its gonna be at

[@KitwanaLion]

Update: The NHL communicated there will be an All-Star Game in January 2026, to be used as a send-off to the Olympics. Whether the Mascot Showdown returns is unknown, but I'd say it's likely, given the success the event had for the past 9 years.

[@KitwanaLion]

@@JoeBidenfan666 Update as of Feb 19, 2024: The NHL communicated the 2026 All-Star Weekend will be hosted by.... *drumroll* the NY Islanders! Going to take place immediately before the Olympics, so likely the weekend of January 31st. While there are no convention spaces close to UBS Arena, the PR piece mentioned "Festivities in The Park", which is an outdoor area next to the arena. That means the fate of the NHL Mascot Showdown is still unknown.

[@mikeyg2663]

I'd love to see the CHL do something like this around Memorial Cup time, I'm from Halifax Nova Scotia. It'd be great to see the mascots from the CHL do stuff like this, like seeing my hometown mascot Hal from the Halifax Mooseheads play street hockey with other mascots from the QJMHL or CHL.

[@KitwanaLion]

It would be great to see other leagues following the NHL's lead when it comes to celebrating their mascots and making them accessible. The NHL currently does it best, with an honorable mention to the MLB that gathers their mascots during All-Star Week. I keep hearing many people saying they only came to the All-Star Weekend because of the Mascot Showdown. That's a huge pull-factor!

[@mikeyg2663]

@@KitwanaLion They certainly do! Halifax Mooseheads are a big name when it comes to the NHL draft, they love us lol. We’ve given them a few huge names, Nathan Mckinnoon, Jonathan Drouin, Alex Tanaguy, Joey Shelby, etc. but you’re right, it would be nice to see!

[@kenwilander4293]

Awesome job you guys I have never laughed so hard watching these guys

[@KitwanaLion]

Me too - and I smiled not only during the games. All the interactions with the kids after the games, all that mascotting magic was so heartwarming to see! Stay tuned for further videos that have captured these wonderful moments. I've had the time of my life there and hope they eventually bring the Mascot Showdown back!

[@andrewgeorgelang]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing

[@jeffbrodeur5976]

Wildwing???

[@JoeBidenfan666]

I watched period 2 and 3 on NJ Devils TikTok so I skipped those if that’s fine

[@northerngurl6178]

Carleton shoulda got some tips from tendy coach Curtis Stanford prior to the game 😮

[@Aidan_minotii]

0:09 Bernie the adorable saint bernard

[@alexanderlucas3705]

Where’s the ducks mascot 😢

[@Denze1387]

I think he’s late

[@lindaangus2307]

Love Iceburgh!

[@TheStopMotionCat1]

Chester Cheeto was the ref

[@Thebardown77]

I was there playing ball hockey on the other side

[@KitwanaLion]

Did you get to play with some of the mascots? One day I saw Bouy, Chance & Wild Wing playing with kids at the two smaller rinks next to the main rink. Was really fun to watch and certainly an experience for life for these kids, getting to play with 3 actual NHL mascots!

[@glamrockfoxy6667]

There was Stanley C Panther Florida Panthers the best team

[@Thebardown77]

@@KitwanaLion nah I didn’t even see them

[@JoeBidenfan666]

Stanley vs Victor E Ratt

[@KitwanaLion]

Haha, why not? The secondary mascots should be part of it as well! Viktor belongs to us just like Stanley!

[@JoeBidenfan666]

@@KitwanaLionDo you have a recording of Mascot Showdown Musical Chairs

[@KitwanaLion]

@@JoeBidenfan666 Yes, working on it, since I had to fly home last night and couldn't get it done before departure. Will be online within the next few hours. Stay tuned!

[@JoeBidenfan666]

@@KitwanaLionOk You got a new subscriber and thats me!

[@theblueoctopus4494]

If Nyisles was there, he would kick everyone's ass.

[@KitwanaLion]

The Isles will host the 2026 All-Star Weekend. It's uncertain at this point whether the Mascot Showdown will return due to the lack of proper event space, but if it does, we may very well see not only Sparky but Nyisles, too! They'd make great hosts - and Sparky was actually lots of fun in Toronto, very active and approachable!

[@animeprincessmii4703]

Please livestream today's final mascot showdown before it's too late! 🙁

[@amberbenedick6749]

Let’s go Louie

[@KitwanaLion]

Fun Fact: Louie makes for the BEST, SOFTEST and BIGGEST bear hugs!

[@JoeBidenfan666]

Hunter is cute

[@SML22935]

Team Yoopi MTL 👇

[@mackenzieandpaulhammond2135]

Why isn't rosckoe in there

[@Denze1387]

Where is the wild wings At

[@KitwanaLion]

Though I'm somewhat close with the NHL mascot scene, I have been unable to find out why Wild Wing was absent. It may have been a personal issue with the performer, costume malfunction or whatever prevented him to take part. Same thing happened on another day of the event with Stormy - and last year, Victor E. Green wasn't able to take part in the Mascot Showdown at all because the airline had mishandled his bag. It happens, unfortunately. Never a dull moment;)

[@thecritics3712]

LETS GO BUFFALO

[@anarchyny18]

Go kings. Go

[@DirtyDan77]

Dude there's no way the Cheetos guy can be a ref. That guy is definitely on drugs

[@KitwanaLion]

Let's put it that way: Money was exchanged for him to be there. What's the word I'm looking for..., no, not "sponsoring"..;)

[@thatpeersondt]

flippin the you know who

[@Hockey_Lover74]

Blades💛🤍🖤

[@DevilFish69]

Is the Ducks mascot there?

[@KitwanaLion]

He was at the Showdown, but not at this game for whatever reason. Could have been anything. Costume issue, personal issue, running late, etc. The other days of the event he was very active and approachable, often mingling with fans.

[@darksonic627]

5:33 I guess this showdown is sponsored by Cheetos

[@KitwanaLion]

Yes, they've had a large presence at the Fan Fair. Chester even had his own meet & greet.

[@darksonic627]

Big fan of Cheetos and the NHL mascots (especially Stanley C. Panther)!​@@KitwanaLion

[@KitwanaLion]

@@darksonic627 Aww, Stanley C. Panther's my favorite, too - and there's actually a huge story behind as to why. Check the description of my recent Magic of Mascotting video I've made for Stanley. I'm so glad Stanley is the way he is. Approachable, down-to-earth, positive emotions all around, very sweet and caring. The way a mascot needs to be! Such a great ambassador of my team!

[@darksonic627]

Yeah Stanley C. Panther is the best NHL mascot. I heard that the Arizona Coyotes are moving to Utah. They may be gone but they'll always be remember 🥹​@@KitwanaLion

[@JoeBidenfan666]

Come on lets eat Stanley Sorry but that was a joke

[@bushy1]

wish nyr had a mascot 😔

[@KitwanaLion]

The New York Rangers: The only NHL team saying "No!" to fun! Well, the official All-Star merch store sold mascot plushies for EVERY team, and they had a generic black teddy bear to represent the Rangers;) I could see them creating something inspired by the Statue of Liberty, but that won't happen until there's a change in management that would understand the importance of having a mascot program.

[@Mando_toughmore]

what about red wings?

[@KitwanaLion]

@@Mando_toughmore The Wings basically have a mascot with Al the Octopus. There's just no costumed version of him.

[@bushy1]

@@Mando_toughmore no one cares about Detriot...

[@eladiocruz9947]

To make the teams even hey New York Rangers, you better do something

[@KitwanaLion]

Not only the Rangers, but the Wings would need to create a costumed version of Al the Octopus (and yes, that IS possible!) You can turn almost anything into a mascot costume.

[@Sean63_HD]

how dare you boo blades!

[@KitwanaLion]

Oh, that wasn't me, actually, I had a lot of folks really close right next to me, the crowd situation was pretty wild! I love Blades and Louie, actually, they're some of the cuddliest, most huggable mascots!

[@Sean63_HD]

Sorry wasn't talking about you, was talking about the others

[@SloMotionBaseballer]

Go Nash

[@KitwanaLion]

Gnash is SO COOL! I'm a Panthers fan, yet I'd say the Preds have the best mascot program overall in the entire league and perhaps the U.S. Very unique, awesome species and despite his fierce look, he's so sweet with toddlers and kids, who equally love him! Great presence and the games and even more so out in the community at over 600 events a year, which makes him very approachable. Excellent team around him and the best merchandising. I have his 35" plush! Well done, Predators. Gnash makes so many people smile!

[@leos1546]

I think I didn’t see New York rangers

[@KitwanaLion]

That's because they don't have a mascot at all;)

[@leos1546]

@@KitwanaLion f*ck, it’s my team

[@leos1546]

@@KitwanaLionwhat about the Anaheim sucks with High wing hm?

[@leos1546]

@@KitwanaLionI mean wild wing

[@KitwanaLion]

@@leos1546 Wild Wing didn't take part in the Street Hockey game. I have been unable to find out, why. Might have been a costume or personal issue, maybe running late or whatever. And yes, Anaheim sucked this season;)

[@tavomedinagarcia2743]

Jajajajajjja carlton 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@philpiel5337]

I play hockey

[@ESowder24]

Wish the Redwings had one

[@KitwanaLion]

The Wings do have a mascot in Al the Octopus, but there's no costumed version of it, which is a shame. And yes, it would be possible to translate Al in a costume that could be performed.

[@bretnewlin2123]

I’m the biggest aves fan and I hate the Red Wings so shut up

[@ChristianB0421]

Figures Victor E. Green lost the game lol

[@user-zq3ud3tw6b]

Клас

[@user-mj5fg3od7u]

Торпедо ЦСКА 😢

[@user-gj7od5ny6y]

Youpi

[@YuryKungurtsev-bn2ho]

hunter

[@KitwanaLion]

Hunter is one of my favorites! Any feline mascot ROCKS!

[@JoeBidenfan666]

14:59 Ming up to he’s gay? 🏳️‍🌈👨‍❤️‍👨👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@user-uz8dj3ui8k]

NUL😢

[@269productions]

Special guest ref these mascot events are the only thing worth watching from all star week

[@KitwanaLion]

True, I've heard this exact thing a year ago when my Florida Panthers hosted the All-Stars and I've heard it in Toronto again. So many people just cared for the mascots as the players clearly don't care anymore about the All-Star Skills & Game. I hope they'll keep the Mascot Showdown around in the future.

[@269productions]

@@KitwanaLion They are my Florida Panthers too ☺ and actually I'm a Florida Tech Panther too go cats

[@KitwanaLion]

@@269productions VAMOS GATOS - LET'S GO PANTHERS!!! Sadly I saw less than 10 people wearing Panthers jerseys over the weekend, but I made sure I represented us with a lot of pride!

[@269productions]

@@KitwanaLion hockey in Florida is to corporate and FLA is very inconvenient.

[@KitwanaLion]

@@269productions Up until a few years, I would have supported your statement. Then it was the Tampa Bay Lightning that would become quite successfully and recently, my Florida Panthers as well - a process that started with the rebranding and ownership change in 2016 and so far culminated with us being in the 2023 Stanley Cup finals. Of course you won't see Florida getting a fanbase like up north, but there's definitely a core of dedicated fans and it's growing. Panthers sold all season tickets for the current season, they continue to rank very well in the Eastern Conference, just opened a new practice facility in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and with a favorable arena lease until 2028, the future for the Panthers looks as good as never before. Also, players love Florida because they don't pay any income taxes - and the NHL wants to maintain presence in the Miami TV market, one of the largest in the nation.

[@DekCup]

@NBHL

[@kyzer1996]

I love your vids of this buddy

[@user-db7bn4jl1v]

Where is the wild wings At

[@KitwanaLion]

Though I'm somewhat close with the NHL mascot scene, I have been unable to find out why Wild Wing was absent. It may have been a personal issue with the performer, costume malfunction or whatever prevented him to take part. Same thing happened on another day of the event with Stormy - and last year, Victor E. Green wasn't able to take part in the Mascot Showdown at all because the airline had mishandled his bag. It happens, unfortunately. Never a dull moment;)

[@user-ro3kc5yj7e]

How Was The Hockey Game, Kitwana Lion?

[@KitwanaLion]

It was really fun to watch, especially from that close! I felt bad for my boy Stanley C. Panther, though, who allowed two goals, one of them by Gritty into the East's own net!

[@user-ni9hy3fu8e]

Come on lets eat Stanley Sorry but that was a joke