Gritty reassures hockey fans: 'We can be lonely together'

Gritty wants fans to know that if they're feeling empty inside without hockey, they're not alone.

On Tuesday, the most popular mascot in hockey penned a heartfelt letter and shared it on Twitter.

"My Dear Gritizens, we have no hockey. But we have each other," Gritty wrote. "Now is when I would typically embrace you with my fur, but instead I will envelope you with my words (social distancing). How are you? I hope everyone is staying safe ... but enough about you, let's talk about me.

"I know a lot of you have been asking if I'm okay and wondering what I've been up to. The most adorable creatures seem to be immune (dogs, small children, and possibly ME?) Regardless, I'm taking this very seriously. My paws are (very) clean. My home is completely wrapped in toilet paper, the virus isn't getting in.

"I'm health in its purest form. My body temp is at the classic Gritty average of -55.6 degrees Celsius, I've never felt slimmer, but I still can't seem to shake this swimmer's ear (ongoing issue). You know what they say, when the virus goes low, we go high.

"Well, the DVD box at the toilet paper store was out of options, so I'm now on my ninth watch of 'Osmosis Jones' (2001 - Fantasy/Action). I also started watching 'Lost.' I couldn't find Seasons 1 or 2, so I started on Season 3 and I can't help but feel like I missed something important.

"I'm lonely, so I'm sure you are too," Gritty added. "We can be lonely together. Maybe being together in loneliness will make us ... not lonely? I recognize that there's a lot going on, and I rightfully assume my duty to be the orange light of hope in this COVID-19-covered world. After all, laughter is the best medicine. Next to medicine.

"Peace. Love. Sanitizer. Waves. (Sincerely,) Gritty."

Going without NHL games for the foreseeable future isn't going to be easy, but if anyone - or rather, any thing - can cheer up hockey fans during the hiatus, it's Gritty.

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