Edmonton Elks mascot nominated for Mascot Hall of Fame

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks anthropomorphic football mascot “Punter” is a nominee for the 2023 class of the Mascot Hall of Fame.

If “Punter” is inducted he would become the first Canadian Football League mascot so enshrined, and just the second Canadian-based mascot following in the footsteps of Montreal Canadiens and former Montreal Expos mascot “Youppi,” who was inducted in 2019.

Since being introduced by the Elks during the 2004 CFL season, “Punter” has appeared at over 180 Elks home games while also making multiple public appearances in the Edmonton community each year.

“Punter” is one of 18 nominees for the 2023 class which includes mascots from professional sports teams, collegiate programs, and independent organizations. Each nominee is recognized for their outstanding performance and dedication to their respective teams and communities.

Some of the other nominees for 2023 include “Jaxson de Ville” of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Duke University’s “The Blue Devil” and the Boston Red Sox’s “Wally the Green Monster.”

Fans can cast their ballots for “Punter” by visiting the Mascot Hall of Fame’s website. Voting runs for two weeks, from May 13 until May 27, with fans being able to cast one ballot per day.

The 2023 class will be announced on June 23.

The Mascot Hall of Fame, established in 2005 as an online-only entity but which found a permanent home in Whiting, Indiana in 2018, is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the world’s most beloved mascots.

Since its inception, the Mascot Hall of Fame has inducted over 20 mascots, recognizing their contributions to both sports and entertainment. Some of the more well-known inductees include “Phillie Phanatic,” “Mr. Met,” the Phoenix Suns’ “Gorilla” and the “Famous San Diego Chicken.”