NHL goalie’s unexpected pregame companion has fans hopping with excitement

October 12, 2026
 Admin

Hockey has found its newest celebrity and he has four legs, floppy ears and absolutely no interest in stopping pucks. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley turned heads Saturday night when he arrived at Scotiabank Saddledome arena ahead of the team’s matchup against the Anaheim Ducks carrying an unusual pregame companion: his seven-year-old pet rabbit, Tito. 

Tito was sporting a custom Flames shirt and nestled comfortably in Cooley’s arms as the adorable bunny entered the arena and into the Calgary locker room. 

For the uninitiated, Tito is already a fan favorite in Calgary and boasts an Instagram following of over 12,000 followers on his IG account that is managed by Cooley and his partner, Natalie Weyers. The Flames even celebrated Tito with a special video montage for National Bunny Day in September. 

Tito has entered the building.
Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley looks to the scoreboard after letting in a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche in Calgary, Alberta, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP

Cooley and his teammates partnered with the Calgary Humane Society to promote animal adoption, so Tito’s appearance on Saturday wasn’t just for social media engagement. Several Flames players arrived at the arena alongside dogs from the local shelter that are looking to be adopted. 

Cooley has struggled to start the season. The netminder entered Saturday winless in two appearances, sporting an ugly 5.01 goals-against average and .818 save percentage. Those numbers are a considerable departure from last year, when he posted a respectable .909 save percentage across 31 games. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley (1) plays during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche in Calgary, Alberta, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fortunately for Cooley, Tito doesn’t seem particularly concerned about his owner’s struggles in the net. 

And while Cooley continues searching for his first victory of the season, his four-legged companion has already delivered one for the Flames.

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