Part Time Mascot Handler

About the Team

The New York Islanders are a renowned professional sports franchise with a deeply loyal fan base and a history that includes four consecutive Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s and 19 straight playoff series victories. The organization’s current home, UBS Arena in Floral Park, NY, is a modern venue designed for hockey and music, with premium suites, clubs, lounges, and guest-focused amenities. The arena sits within the wider Belmont Park redevelopment project, which also includes Belmont Park Village and the new Belmont Park Racetrack.

Role Overview

The New York Islanders are looking for energetic, fun, and adaptable people to strengthen their mascot program. In this part-time onsite position, you will represent the team as a brand ambassador in a polished, engaging, and entertaining way while helping bring the Sparky & Nyisles identity to life.

This role is part of the NYI Game Presentation Department and reports to the Coordinator of Entertainment & Talent and the Senior Manager of Entertainment & Talent, with close collaboration to help create an enjoyable and fan-friendly experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support mascot activities for internal and external appearances, including game-day assignments.
• Help keep mascot performers safe and supported at all public events.
• Assist with pre-game, in-game, post-game, and intermission entertainment elements.
• Take part in seasonal creative sessions for skits, social content, and outside appearances.
• Handle game-day setup tasks such as rolling T-shirts, preparing prize packs, gathering supplies, and putting everything back after the event.
• Use headset communication clearly and consistently with game-night staff.
• Take on additional fast-moving game-day tasks as needed.
• Organize and manage promotional items, props, and presentation materials so they are ready for use.
• Keep the mascot changing room neat, organized, and clean.
• Assist with marketing-related mascot work such as watch parties, team and league events, video shoots, and photo shoots.
• Act as the mascot team’s voice by expressing the mascot’s thoughts and emotions to fans during games and appearances.

What You Bring

You should be comfortable adapting quickly, working under pressure, and handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is quick on their feet, detail-oriented, punctual, positive, and dependable, with a team-first approach and a willingness to learn.

General hockey knowledge is preferred. Prior experience in live sports or mascot-related work is a plus, including roles such as hype team member, performer, handler, or spirit squad member. You must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors and be able to lift at least 25 pounds.

Requirements

• Availability for at least 75% of New York Islanders home games, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid ID.
• Ability to live in or commute to the Nassau County, Long Island, Tri-State area, with reliable transportation.
• Strong comfort level interacting with fans of all ages and appearing confidently in front of large crowds.

Skills You Will Use

• Adaptability
• Multitasking
• Live event coordination
• Communication over headset
• Attention to detail
• Team collaboration
• Creative thinking
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Fan engagement
• Time management
• Independent work

What’s In It for You

• A chance to play an important role in the game-night experience for up to 17,000 fans.
• The opportunity to perform at New York Islanders games at UBS Arena.
• Exposure to the inner workings of a successful NHL organization.
• Collaboration with other high-level performers.
• Uniforms and apparel supplied by the organization.
• Visibility through media, major events, and community relations activities.
• Potential additional pay for public events and appearances.

Application Process

Applications are accepted until July 29 at 12:00 a.m. ET. Candidates who move past the initial screening will receive next-step instructions by email. Final audition details, including location and time, will also be shared by email after review.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The New York Islanders are an equal opportunity employer and welcome a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.