The Tradition of Throwing Rats
Throwing rats on the ice has become a well-known tradition in certain hockey communities. One of the most famous cases of rat throwing occurred during the Florida Panthers’ 1995-1996 season, where fans began throwing plastic rats on the ice to celebrate goals.
The Origin of Rat Throwing
The tradition of throwing rats on the ice dates back to the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996. The story goes that during the playoffs, Panthers winger Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room with his stick before scoring two goals in the game. This led to fans embracing the rat as a symbol of good luck and victory, and thus the tradition was born.
Embraced by Fans
What started as a spontaneous act by fans quickly became a beloved tradition. Panthers fans would bring plastic rats to games and throw them onto the ice after every goal scored by the team. This tradition was met with both enthusiasm and criticism, with some seeing it as a fun and unique way for fans to show their support, while others viewed it as disrespectful and potentially dangerous to players and personnel on the ice.
Spread to Other Teams
While the tradition of throwing rats on the ice is most closely associated with the Panthers, it has also been adopted by other hockey teams. The Nashville Predators, for example, have their own version of rat throwing with their tradition of throwing catfish on the ice. Fans of the Detroit Red Wings have also been known to throw octopuses on the ice during games as a symbol of good luck.
Impact on the Game
While throwing rats on the ice may seem like a harmless and fun tradition, it has had its share of consequences. The NHL has implemented rules and regulations to prevent fans from throwing objects onto the ice during games, and teams have had to deal with fines and penalties for fans who violate these rules. Despite this, the tradition of throwing rats on the ice continues to be a cherished part of hockey culture for many fans.
