The Toronto Tempo, a WNBA team, unveiled their long-awaited mascots during a game on Tuesday to a lukewarm reception from fans. The mascots, Dez the snapping turtle and Dot the Arctic hare, symbolize contrasting speeds inspired by Aesop’s fable about a race between the two creatures. Despite their differences, they share the role of representing Canada’s sole WNBA franchise.
Dez, hailing from Muskoka, is portrayed as composed and music-loving, with a penchant for soft-shell tacos and identified as a Taurus. On the other hand, Dot, named after Toronto’s moniker T-Dot, exudes high energy, enjoys cotton candy, watching the Netflix F1 documentary series “Drive to Survive,” and is categorized as a Gemini. The narrative explains their meeting when Dot ventured south following the northern lights to Dez’s domain, leading to a mutual realization of their compatibility.
According to a press release by the Tempo, the mascots bonded over their shared passion for rhythm, with Dez embodying patience and timing while Dot brings speed and fearless enthusiasm. Their journey eventually brought them to Toronto, drawn by the city’s vibrant pulse.
However, the mascots faced criticism upon their debut, with some fans expressing disappointment in their design and relevance. Some compared them unfavorably to the Raptor, the Toronto Raptors’ mascot, highlighting a preference for more traditional Canadian symbols like a beaver or raccoon.
While some critiques have been harsh, others have appreciated the unique tortoise and hare dynamic, praising the imagery and expressing fondness for the mascots. Speculation about the mascots’ relationship and sexuality has also emerged among fans, but a TSN reporter clarified that they are simply best friends, dispelling rumors of a romantic or familial connection.
As the Tempo navigates a challenging inaugural season marked by a 12-game losing streak, the team looks to their new mascots for a boost of morale and luck. Their recent defeat to the Washington Mystics sealed their fate, eliminating them from playoff contention.