Youppi! has 40th birthday party with mascot friends before Canadiens game

He's always been sporty, but now he's forty.

Montreal Canadiens mascot Youppi! celebrated his 40th birthday at Bell Centre before a game against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
Youppi! debuted in 1979 as the mascot for Major League Baseball's Montreal Expos, but when they left to become the Washington Nationals in 2005,
Youppi! was adopted by the Canadiens
.
The guest list for Youppi's birthday was a who's who of mascot friends. Gnash of the Nashville Predators, Bernie of the Colorado Avalanche, Stanley C. Panther of the Florida Panthers, Blades of the Boston Bruins and Spartacat of the Ottawa Senators represented the NHL.

Cosmo of the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens AHL affiliate, also showed and even an old friend from Youppi's baseball days, Mr. Met of the New York Mets, attended.
Many mascots from around the league who could not attend the party sent their well wishes in a
funny and strangley heartfelt video
in appreciation their counterpart.
The friends in attendance celebrated
as only mascots could, with a dance off
.
Here's to 40 more, Youppi!