Buddy the Puffin exhibit opens at The Rooms

St. John's - The Newfoundland Growlers, proud affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, unveiled an exhibition dedicated to the iconic mascot, Buddy the Puffin today at The Rooms."Even for a team with a dog on the front of its jersey, the Puffin was a natural fit. Buddy the Puffin is engrained in the local community and the joy he brings to people of all ages is truly remarkable," said Dean MacDonald, Owner of the Newfoundland Growlers. "We were honored to work with The Rooms to showcase the history and magic that the Puffin brings to the people of our Province".   

In the 27 years since Buddy the Puffin was introduced as the mascot of the St. John’s Maple Leafs hockey team, he has cheered, danced and flown into the hearts of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Buddy went on to become the mascot for various other St. John’s professional sports franchises, including the St. John’s IceCaps, the St. John’s Edge and the Newfoundland Growlers. Buddy captured the American Hockey League's Mascot of the Year Award in 2013 and 2017."Buddy the Puffin has been an integral part of our community and Newfoundland and Labrador’s sports history," said Anne Chafe, Interim CEO, The Rooms. "The Rooms is delighted to be able to mark this milestone with a display featuring Buddy’s historic memorabilia".Off the ice, Buddy has been involved with numerous community initiatives, charities and events in his nearly three decades of service, including frequent trips to the Janeway Children's hospital to minor hockey clinics in Labrador. The Puffin has posed for countless pictures, signed thousands of autographs and continues to put the fans first.Fans can view the "Three Cheers for Buddy the Puffin!" pop-up exhibit until January 12, 2020, located in the Third Level Atrium of The Rooms.

The Newfoundland Growlers will continue to celebrate the 27-year history of Buddy the Puffin on Tuesday, December 17th when they host the Adirondack Thunder at Mile One Centre. The game will feature a number of Buddy-themed stories from fans of all ages, the launch of a Buddy the Puffin inspired clothing line culminating with the presentation of Buddy's official 2019 Kelly Cup Championship Ring.

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Upcoming GamesThe Newfoundland Growlers take on the Utah Grizzlies tonight at the Maverick Centre in West Valley, Utah. Puck drop is 10:40 p.m. Newfoundland time. Listen live via the Growlers Internet Radio station at mixlr.com/nlgrowlers.