When the Philadelphia Flyers began this new NHL season, experts thought they knew what the main story around the team would be. Obviously, it was going to be about whether or not the team, fresh off of signing primo goal scorer James van Riemsdyk, could improve on last season's playoff appearance against Pittsburgh and push for ... umm ... where did everyone go?
Oh, that's right. They're all off getting selfies with the team's brand new mascot, Gritty.
Sure, when the Flyers first unveiled this bizarro creation, the immediate reaction was confusion and even fear. Which we frankly understood...
But it turns out that we all just needed some time to get used to this google-eyed, orange misfit. Ever since then, it's been a full-on Gritty Mania. He's on talk shows, viral videos, and, of course, bringing the fever to every Flyers home game.
So is it really a surprise that with Halloween only a few weeks after the start of the NHL season, Gritty is "the" costume of the year?
Nope, no surprise at all.
Getting Gritty with it
That's why we present, for your viewing pleasure, the best Gritty costumes to grace the internet. Enjoy!
This sweet lass dressed as a #DIY @gritty is seriously the most entertaining + creative #Halloween costume I’ve seen in ages! I love this town - you never know who you’re going to bump into in @haddonheights! ??♀️ ? #HootsandHowls pic.twitter.com/RaVdT7XvxQ
— Laura Storck (@Laura_Storck) October 21, 2018
OMG Someone went as Gritty for Halloween and it's AMAZING. pic.twitter.com/KHx7cqDYIT
— Cam (@tinfoiltuque) October 21, 2018
There are even dogs dressed as Gritty...
My wife made a Halloween costume for my dog Stanley, and I’ve never been more proud of a person or an animal than I am right now. #Philly #Flyers #Gritty pic.twitter.com/XxiWgts9wL
— Chip Chantry (@ChipChantry) October 24, 2018
And pumpkins as Gritty...
Omg! @GrittyNHL in pumpkin form! cc @FarFarrAway pic.twitter.com/nHHAylPdZ6
— Ron Nurwisah (@boyreporter) October 26, 2018
And ... lending libraries as Gritty?
@banditelli @ParkerMolloy my fellow council members in Bridgeport PA decorated our Little Library as Gritty for Halloween! pic.twitter.com/MYiqDvLUsf
— Tony from Bridgeport (@tonyheyl) October 27, 2018
As for Gritty himself, he hosted his own costume party recently. (He was dressed as a shower.)
No matter what you're dressing up as, have a great Halloween!
He sounds adorable! 😀 I have a real soft spot for stuff like that!
Maybe more hockey teams will make up creatures like that also!?