SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Sirens rang in a new era for the Summerside Western Capitals, as their team mascot was unveiled Saturday evening at the Credit Union Place.
Dressed in the team’s red and blue hockey colours and sporting #CapsArmy, the mascot called ‘Colonel Cap’ made an impression as he rolled onto the ice on a quad bike while waving the Capitals flag.
“There were more than 100 entries for the design of the new mascot, but we managed to whittle them down and decide on this very original one to keep with our military theme of the ‘Caps Army,” explained Mike James, one of the team’s owners.
The mascot, who was ready to march his team to victory, is based on the hashtag theme that was developed three years ago.
“After Cappy retired in 2015, we wanted something phenomenal for the fans. The individual we selected (to be Colonel Cap) is very creative, so that’s why they were chosen. This person can create that wow factor and get the audience pumped for the game,” said James.
Colonel Cap is community focussed and will be featured in parades and at school functions.
“The mascot will be here for every game, and if that individual can’t make it for whatever reason, we have an understudy as a backup,” he continued.
Brianna Flood, marketing and sponsorship consultant for the Cap’s organization, said those in the stands can expect shenanigans with both fans, the opposing bench, and referees.
“Cappy walked around, took pictures, high-fived, and this is completely different,” said Flood.
Keeping the identity of the person under the padding of the mascot a secret adds to the excitement and mystery.
“For the mascot it allows them to go over the top because no one knows who they are, and it lowers their nerves. The mascot can create a whole identity, and Colonel Cap is already on Twitter, Instagram, and will have a Facebook page,” Flood added.
Those in the stands showed their support for the new mascot.
“It’s been a long time coming. I came here especially for the revealing of the mascot. They put the clues on Facebook with just the red hands holding the (Journal Pioneer) newspaper that covered the rest of the body, and now the mascot has finally come out of hiding or camouflage,” said David Dunphy, who brought his family along to the game.
Dunphy added, “My family will be following the mascot online, and we heard he is pretty aerodynamic, so we are excited to see what Colonel Cap does next.”
James is hopeful Colonel Cap will bring in more excited fans.
“Coach Billy (McGuigan) pushed the ownership group to get a mascot for the extra entertainment for the fans. Hopefully, the mascot can march the players to victory and bring in the cheering crowd,” he said.
As for Cappy, he will have an official retirement, said James.
“If everything goes to plan, there will be a fun video tribute to Cappy, this will happen in the next game.”
After the big reveal, which took place before the puck drop at 7 p.m., Colonel Cap led the team to victory with a score of 7-3 over the Valley Wildcats.
