The Guelph Storm is looking for their next mascot to fill Spyke’s shoes (and body) and rally the crowd.
The team is looking for someone who is enthusiastic about the position. Who better than our own Mark Paré? who went over to the Sleeman Centre to 'try out' for the position and help support the team's search for a new mascot.
He said he thought he would be a good candidate for the part but he won’t be making the cut "due to other commitments." Like, his day job.
The position is still up and open to prospective Spyke mascots.
“It was definitely sweaty. Be prepared to sweat but also it’s a very exciting experience,” said Paré.
Paré walked around the arena cheering on an invisible audience.
“Although I was looking for applause from the rest of the crowd, I did not get a response. Expect that to change from one of the loudest arenas in the OHL this fall,” he said.
“If I’ve learned anything from being in front of a crowd is that you generate a lot of energy from the crowd itself. Which will make things easier because you’ll be spending the game feeding off of the momentum," said Paré.
“The ideal candidate is passionate about the sports fan experience,” reads the job description on LinkedIn, posted by the Storm.
“Spyke is a symbol of the team, with a larger-than-life personality,” continued in the description.
The mascot is expected to take on the role and character of Spyke. Learning the Spyke dance is a must, and the song changes every game. Candidates will have to be a strong skater and bring their own skates.
“He’s our biggest supporter and ultimate super-fan,” said Lindsay Newby, manager of communications and social media with the Storm.
Spyke should engage the crowd and start chants, said Newby.
“Energetic and enthusiastic. Always takes time for kids and loves the fans. Anything a mascot can do to be Spyke,” she said.
This year there will be more promotional activities Spyke and fans will be involved with.
One of the activities will have Spyke and a fan wear velcro suits. They will compete by rolling around in fake money to see who has the most amount of bills stuck to them.
Spyke will appear at 34 home games before playoffs start. Approximately five and a half hours per shift.
There will be 20 Friday games, five Saturday, and seven Sunday. With one matinee game on Family Day Monday and one Wednesday night game.
For candidates interested in becoming the next Spyke mascot, email Lisa Della Mattia at [email protected].
