Youppi! finds a new home

Youppi! gets to stay in Montreal.

The Expos left for Washington almost a year ago and abandoned Youppi at the border. Youppi!, the team's mascot from 1979-2004, will now be the new mascot for the Montreal Canadiens. In fact, Youppi will be the legendary hockey team's first mascot.

Interestingly, Youppi! will become the first mascot in professional sports history to move from one league to another when he makes his debut for the Canadiens.

"It is with great pleasure that we can now count Youppi! as an official member of our organization," Canadiens president Pierre Boivin said. "Youppi! has touched the lives of countless fans of all ages with both his in-game enthusiasm and with his generosity throughout the Montreal community."

As you can see, Youppi looks like a orange-furred Muppet. I can tell you from first-hand experience that Youppi! is beloved by kids and adults alike.

"When it became apparent we had the opportunity to preserve a small element of the Montreal Expos legacy by retaining the services of Youppi!, there was no hesitation on our part to do so," said Canadiens vice president of marketing and sales Ray Lalonde. "Youppi!, who will become the first official mascot in Canadiens history, will now get the opportunity to be introduced to future generations of sports fans."

Youppi! took part in more than 4,000 public outings during his 26-year tenure with the Expos.

Hockey is not known for having mascots. The only hockey mascot that leaps to mind is the infamous Peter Puck from NBC's Monday night hockey package in the 1970s. Ironically, NBC will carry a small NHL package this season.

While it's not known whether Youppi! can skate, this is a happy ending for those in Montreal who sincerely liked Youppi! and didn't want to see the creature disappear from the Montreal sports scene.