Gainer the Gopher's new look draws mockery online
Roughriders' mascot has had several looks through the years
The Saskatchewan Roughriders'July 1 game hada few surprises.
A storm rolling through Regina caused a two-hour delay near the end of the second quarter at Mosaic Stadium. The Riders eventually won 32-7 against the Toronto Argonauts.
Meanwhile, the team introduceda new look for its iconic mascot Gainer the Gopher.
Were THIS excited to get back to playing tonight:#UniteInGreen pic.twitter.com/A8qIhj07GU
—@sskroughriders
The new mascot design is thinner than before, has defined green eyes anda bigger, smiling mouth.
Some fans of the mascot have been rallying on social media, saying the changes were unwanted. There is at least one online petition calling for the change to be reversed.
Look, I know Gainer. I've worked with Gainer, and you sir ... you are no Gainer. #bringbackoldgainer pic.twitter.com/QtplSFIJmS
—@kdorse
Some fans said the new design is "creepy," whileothers claimedit has caused nightmares.
Cmon New Gainer ... you arent helping your case. #creepy #iheardchildrencrying #adultstoo pic.twitter.com/I2d3uzmYmw
—@hockeymom1509
A spokesperson for the Riderssaid, "we've decided to just let Gainer speak for himself."
Gainer through the years
Gainer the Gopher has been a symbol for the Saskatchewan Roughriders since 1977, according to the Riderville website.
Gainer has gone through many changes over his 40-year career. The mascot wore jersey number 44 in the early days. Starting in 2006, Gainer started wearing the number 13 to represent the"thirteenth man."
In 1982, Gainer wore a lone collar.
The mascot is modelled after the Richardson ground squirrel, orgopher, a common sightin southern Saskatchewan.