Jake Voracek fully expected his own bobblehead as part a promotional giveaway at some point this season.
But using his likeness in the form of a Chia Pet?
"I had no idea what it was," Voracek said. "I just knew that something was coming out of that thing. That's all I knew. What is that grass?"
The Chia Pet is a 1970s phenomenon that has been kept alive for over 40 years now. Chia owners plant seeds on a terra-cotta figurine and over time the chia sprout resembles hair or fur. Over the years, Chia Pets have branched out into cartoon characters and even real people, most notably politicians.
The trend of Chia hockey players started in March 2016 when the San Jose Sharks unveiled Chia Burns, a promotional giveaway of defenseman Brent Burns noted for his long and scraggly beard.
The Flyers marketing department decided a promotional campaign centered around a Chia Pet and Voracek's hairy qualities would be ideal. Fans attending Tuesday's game against the Florida Panthers will receive their very own Voracek Chia Pet when they walk through the doors.
"I was looking at it saying ‘Alright, we'll see how it goes,'" said Voracek.
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However, the Flyers star winger has limitations.
"I'm not going to have one at home, that's for sure," Voracek said. "I don't think my girlfriend would appreciate that."
The Czech and the Chia.
Get your @jachobe Chia Pet at the Oct. 16th game vs. FLA: https://t.co/rDjPgCBtFp pic.twitter.com/8vpK1s4c6R — Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 15, 2018
