Nationwide staffing shortages seem to have spread to hockey mascots.
The Penticton Vees have spent the last month searching for somebody to be Harvee, the team’s ever-so-popular mascot.
According to the Vees vice-president of business operations Fraser Rodgers, the most recent individual to fill the role left the position in August, leaving the team with no mascot ahead of its 2022-2023 season opener this Friday, Sept. 23.
Penticton is now ramping up its search for somebody to fill the part-time role, before the team raises its four B.C. Hockey League championship banners on Friday night.
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Whoever gets the gig will be paid on an hourly basis, with exact compensation depending on experience.
Rodgers says the individual will have to have a knack for entertaining and be 100 per cent committed to the role.
“Harvee is definitely a big hit with kids and families,” he said.
The Vees first unveiled the mascot in 2018. After going nameless for one regular-season game, a community-wide vote decided on “Harvee” for the character.
People interested in applying for the vacant role are asked to email Rodgers at fraser@pentictonvees.com.