The man behind one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most beloved characters has passed away at 51.

Christopher Abbott first donned the Buddy the Puffin suit as the mascot for the St. John’s Maple Leafs of the AHL back in the early 1990s, capturing the hearts of fans with antics in the stands and on the ice.

Since then, Buddy the Puffin has become a cultural icon in the province, representing other sports teams such as the Ice Caps, the St. John’s Edge and the Newfoundland Growlers.

In 2019, Abbott’s work as Buddy was recognized with an exhibit at The Rooms.

Abbott was a former St. Pat’s dancer and wore the Buddy costume for over 700 events.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with many fans sharing pictures of themselves with him in his costume at sporting events throughout the years.

Well-known NHL columnist Dave Stubbs visited St. John’s one day with Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur in October 2016 for the final home opener of the IceCaps.

“Flower loved Buddy, as did I,” Stubbs wrote in an email to VOCM News. “Dave Salter, who was working for the team in media/public relations, got me a Buddy bobblehead, which I cherish to this day.

“My sympathies to all who will miss and mourn Chris, and my best wishes to all who will celebrate the joy he brought to so many.”

The Newfoundland Growlers family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Chris Abbott.

The impact that Chris had on the community is truly immeasurable, we will deeply miss his innate ability to connect with people and make them smile. pic.twitter.com/NnbBYOkZc4

— Newfoundland Growlers (@NLGrowlers) February 1, 2022