Buddy the Puffin

Three Cheers for Buddy the Puffin!

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.

The man behind Buddy is Chris Abbott, a former St. Pat’s dancer. He has worn the costume for over 700 events. This selection from Mr. Abbott’s extensive collection is on exhibit in honour of Buddy the Puffin Appreciation Day on December 17th.