Harvey the Hound
Harvey the Hound is the mascot of the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames. Introduced in 1983, Harvey was the first mascot in the NHL.[1] Harvey is described by the Flames as being 6'6" and 200lbs. He was acquired as the Flames "first pound draft pick" in 1983.
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First acted by Glenn Street, Harvey made his debut in 1983 serving as the mascot of the Flames and later as a second mascot for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.[1] He was later dropped by the Stampeders in favour of their original mascot, Ralph the Dog, however his popularity with the Flames was such that many teams contacted Street about making mascots for their own teams.[2]
His first game, February 16, 1984 was a Flames rout over the Pittsburgh Penguins, 10 – 3 at the Pengrowth Saddledome. Both Lanny McDonald and Doug Risebrough scored hat tricks and ever since Harvey has been a fixture with the Flames. Harvey has remained a mainstay at Flames games, and at many events throughout Calgary and southern Alberta ever since.
Harvey gained widespread publicity on January 20, 2003, following an incident with the Edmonton Oilers head coach, Craig MacTavish. With the Flames leading 4–0, Harvey was taunting the Oilers behind their bench. The frustrated coach reached up and ripped Harvey's signature red tongue out of his mouth, tossing it into the crowd. The incident seemed to spark the Oilers, who scored three goals shortly after, though the Flames held on to win 4–3.[3] The incident made headlines throughout North America, and led to many jokes, including having many other NHL team mascots arrive at the 2003 All-Star Game with their tongues hanging out.[4]
- ^ a b Mascot Madness, cbc.ca, accessed February 24, 2007
- ^ Calleja, Dawn, Mascot maker, Globe and Mail, accessed February 24, 2007
- ^ Pyette, Ryan, MacTavish leaves Harvey the Hound speechless , London Free Press, January 23, 2003
- ^ Francis, Eric, The uncivil war, Calgary Sun, September 21, 2003
- Harvey's Corner at calgaryflames.com
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