There’s a new trend in the NHL. A year after the Winnipeg Jets hired a new security puppy, five different NHL teams have brought in adorable pups of their own this season. It’s almost as if the NHL is realizing puppies + hockey players = viral content.
This season, the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and New York Islanders are all training their own puppies to do better deeds in life. These cute dogs will go on to become service dogs, ranging from seeing-eye dogs to dogs that help with motor impairments and Autism.
There really is not much is better than a dog with a job, so let’s acquaint ourselves with these five new fantastic hockey doggos.
Barclay is the pup who has received the most general media attention. I have received multiple text messages from non-hockey fans alerting me about Barclay.
This really good yellow lab came to the St. Louis Blues through an organization called Duo. The Blues will provide basic training for Barclay throughout the first 18-months of his life. Once he leaves the Blues, he will go on to become an Assistance Dog for a future Duo client!
Look how chubby and cute he is!!
View this post on InstagramBarclay and his Barclay puck 💜 #HockeyFightsCancer
A post shared by Barclay (@stlbluespup) on
He also helps the team practice, and when he gets upset at their playmaking, he grabs their stick and just does it himself.
While with the Blues, Barclay will spend time with the front office and train Blues home games to better his social skills. We don’t think he will have any issues.
Flambo is the newest puppy to be welcomed into the NHL, joining the Montreal Canadiens family through Mira. This non-profit offers free service dogs to people with visual and motor impairments along with children that are in the autism spectrum.
The name Flambo has a deep meaning for the team. Flambo, the mere presence of light on a trail, is a reminder of the Habs history and inspires the team to reach for bigger goals. In his future life, Flambo will help someone in need and give them the confidence to live a full life.
Just look at him!
Flambo seems a little hesitant on the ice, but that’s okay there is always room for growth!
View this post on InstagramLa passe de Flambo à la fin. 🔥 Flambo with the no-look pass at the end. #GoHabsGo
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Ranger was the first puppy to join an NHL team this season. He has grown super quickly and can probably fit into his Rangers jersey much better now.
Ranger will eventually become a professional autism service dog and will be with the organization for a year while he learns the ins and the outs of his new profession.
He is already a master at celebrating the new year.
View this post on InstagramHappy New Year to my @nyrangers family! #NYRPupOnAPath 🐶🎉
A post shared by Ranger (@nyrangerspup) on
Rookie belongs to the Ottawa Senators. This black lab came to Ottawa from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Before he goes on to become a seeing-eye dog, Rookie will live with the Senators for 12 months and then move on to live with a professional trainer as he gets bigger and smarter.
The Sens already love Rookie, but how can you not?
Radar was specially handpicked by Matt Martin and Thomas Hickey as the first pup for the Islanders Puppy with a Purpose program. Martin and Hickey didn’t take their jobs lightly making sure to ask each puppy if they wanted to be an Islander.
Radar will go on and become a seeing-eye dog through the Guide Dog Foundation, but for the next 14 months, he will live the life at the ice rink.
I mean, come ON!!!
Radar loves attending Islanders home games and watching warmups.
View this post on InstagramJust a very good boy watching warmies. 🐶
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