Will Ferrell's grumpy buddy The Elf shocks fans at NHL Game

Will Ferrell gave fans an unexpected treat during Sunday's NHL game between the L.A. Kings and Philadelphia Flyers. Dressed as his iconic character Buddy the Elf, the comedian was spotted at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but this Buddy was far from merry.

Sporting Buddy's bright green suit and yellow tights, Ferrell, 57, hilariously transformed into a grumpy version of the beloved Christmas character. Pretending to smoke a cigarette and displaying mock irritation, the comedian's antics had fans in stitches. Attending the game with his wife, Viveca Paulin, and their 14-year-old son Axel, Ferrell once again proved his comedic genius by giving the Christmas classic Elf a fresh, unexpected twist.

A nostalgic nod to Elf

The outing comes just a year after Elf celebrated its 20th anniversary. The 2003 holiday classic follows Buddy, a human raised by elves, as he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. Ferrell's portrayal of the overly enthusiastic, syrup-loving Buddy remains one of his most iconic roles to date.

In a deleted scene from Elf, Buddy showcases impressive ice hockey skills, making Ferrell's NHL appearance an even more fitting homage to the film. Fans quickly connected the dots, turning his appearance into a viral moment online.

Fans and co-stars reflect on Buddy's legacy

Ferrell's Elf co-star Mary Steenburgen, who played Emily Hobbs, has shared fond memories of filming the holiday favorite. Reflecting on Buddy's over-the-top antics like chugging soda and drenching spaghetti in maple syrup Steenburgen recalled struggling to keep a straight face during filming.

Despite turning down a sequel to Elf, Ferrell has expressed gratitude for the film's enduring popularity. "It's really special to have a movie like that in my catalog," he recently told PEOPLE. The Saturday Night Live alum revealed that fans often tell him they watch Elf year-round, not just during the holidays.

Ferrell's surprise appearance as a grumpy Buddy serves as a humorous reminder of why the character remains a cultural icon. Whether it's on the big screen or in the stands at an NHL game, Buddy the Elf continues to bring joy and now, a little sass to fans everywhere.