Gritty Visits West Chester Elementary School, Promotes Street Hockey

WEST CHESTER, PA — It's never too early to teach kids about the identity of their fandom.

Such were Gritty's thoughts when the Flyers mascot traveled to West Chester School District's Penn Wood Elementary earlier this week to spread the love of his team and share a few important messages.

"Students enjoyed fun activities, NHL trivia, and even a dance battle," the district said in a statement. " Thanks to the Flyers Recess Team for emphasizing the importance of fun and staying active."

Yes, while Gritty may seem to be of the same body type as the Phanatic, it turns out he's quite the proponent of healthy living. And the mad-eyed, moody embodiment of the Philadelphia sports fan is not just bloviating. He can be regularly found skating around the ice in south Philly, and his Flyers Recess program is actually about even more than just fitness and the Flyers: it's about giving the community the tools needed to grow the sport.

The free program disburses equipment and a manual to schools so that they can include street hockey curriculum in their gym classes. The gear includes two pop-up goals, 40 sticks, a case of balls, and 40 Flyers branded reversible pinnies.

To learn more about the Recess program, see here.