When a goal is scored in hockey, it’s an electric moment. Players and fans alike can’t help but get excited. But what happens after the goal is what really gets the adrenaline pumping. Hockey goal celebrations are an art form, with players using all kinds of moves to show off their skills and personality. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 10 of the most exciting goal celebrations in hockey.
From the fist pump to the salute, there are plenty of classic celebrations that have been popular for years. But there are also some new and creative moves that players have come up with recently. No matter what kind of celebration it is, they all have one thing in common: they get fans on their feet.
If you’re a fan of hockey, or just love exciting celebrations, then this is the article for you. Get ready to relive some of the most memorable moments in hockey history and discover some new moves you’ve never seen before. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Table of Contents
The Fist Pump
One of the most iconic hockey celebrations is the fist pump. It’s a simple, yet powerful way for a player to show their excitement after scoring a goal. The fist pump involves making a fist with one hand and quickly thrusting it into the air. This gesture is often accompanied by a loud yell or scream.
The fist pump is a universal celebration that can be seen across all levels of hockey, from pee-wee to professional. It’s a way for players to express their joy and enthusiasm, and to share that emotion with their teammates and fans.
Some players have even developed their own unique spin on the fist pump. For example, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins is known for his trademark “Crosby Celly,” which involves a fist pump followed by a quick spin and a point to the sky.
Regardless of how it’s done, the fist pump is a celebration that will always be synonymous with hockey. It’s a moment of pure joy and excitement that fans and players alike will never forget.
The History of the Fist Pump in Hockey
Hockey players have been celebrating goals with a fist pump for decades, and the move has become a staple of the sport. But where did this iconic celebration come from?
According to some sources, the fist pump in hockey can be traced back to the 1970s, when the Philadelphia Flyers were known for their physical, aggressive play on the ice. Their goalies, Bernie Parent and Wayne Stephenson, would often pump their fists after making a big save, and the rest of the team soon followed suit.
Over time, the fist pump became associated with scoring goals as well as making saves, and it has since been adopted by players at all levels of the game. Today, it’s not uncommon to see a player pump their fist after a big play or a hard-fought goal.
While the origins of the fist pump in hockey may be up for debate, there’s no denying its enduring popularity and the excitement it brings to fans and players alike.
How to Perfect Your Fist Pump
If you’re going to celebrate with a fist pump, you want to make sure you do it right. Here are some tips:
- Timing is key: You want to pump your fist right after the puck crosses the goal line, not before or after. Time it right to make sure your celebration is on point.
- Show some emotion: The whole point of the fist pump is to show your excitement, so don’t hold back! Let out a yell, jump up and down, or even give a teammate a high-five to really pump up the energy.
- Be confident: Don’t second-guess yourself when it comes to your celebration. If you want to do a fist pump, commit to it and own it. Confidence is key to a successful celebration.
- Practice makes perfect: You don’t want to fumble your fist pump in the heat of the moment, so practice it beforehand. Take some time to work on your celebration and make sure you’re comfortable with it.
With these tips, you’ll be able to perfect your fist pump and make it a memorable celebration every time you score.
The Best NHL Players Known for Their Fist Pump Celebrations
There are some NHL players who have become famous not only for their hockey skills but also for their celebration style. Here are a few of the best players known for their epic fist pumps:
- Alex Ovechkin: The Washington Capitals captain is known for his powerful and passionate fist pump celebrations after scoring a goal.
- P.K. Subban: The New Jersey Devils defenseman is not only a talented player, but also a showman. His unique and energetic fist pump celebrations are always a hit with fans.
- Evgeni Malkin: The Pittsburgh Penguins center is known for his cool and collected demeanor on the ice, but his fist pump celebrations show a different side of him.
- Steven Stamkos: The Tampa Bay Lightning captain’s fist pump is a thing of beauty. His explosive and enthusiastic celebrations after scoring a goal are always a joy to watch.
These players not only bring their A-game on the ice, but they also know how to get the crowd excited with their incredible fist pump celebrations.
The Salute
The salute is a classic hockey celebration that has been used by many players over the years. This celebration involves the player raising their stick high in the air and giving a salute to the fans. It’s a way of showing appreciation for the support that the fans have given them throughout the game.
The first recorded use of the salute in the NHL was by Chicago Blackhawks player Stan Mikita in the 1960s. Mikita was known for his iconic salute, which he would perform after scoring a goal. Since then, many other players have adopted the salute as their own.
One of the most famous players to use the salute was Teemu Selanne, who played for the Anaheim Ducks. Selanne was known for his flashy style of play and his signature celebration. He would raise his stick high in the air and give a salute to the fans after scoring a goal.
Another player who used the salute was Mark Messier. Messier was a legendary player who played for the New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers. He was known for his leadership skills and his ability to score clutch goals. Messier would often give a salute after scoring a goal, which became one of his signature moves.
The Origin of the Salute in Hockey
While the salute is a common celebratory gesture in many contexts, its origins in hockey are unique. It is said that the salute first came into prominence in the 1970s when the Soviet Union’s national team began using it as a way to show respect to their opponents after a game.
In the early 1980s, the Edmonton Oilers, a team known for their high-flying offense and flashy play, began incorporating the salute into their goal celebrations. Led by superstar Wayne Gretzky, the Oilers’ salute became a fan favorite and spread quickly throughout the league.
Today, the salute is used by players at all levels of hockey, from youth leagues to the NHL. It has become a symbol of respect and sportsmanship, as well as a way for players to acknowledge their teammates and fans after a hard-fought goal.
The Most Iconic Salute Celebrations in Hockey History
Peter Forsberg: During the 1994 Olympics, Forsberg scored a shootout goal and celebrated with his famous salute. It was a moment that would go down in Swedish hockey history and become one of the most iconic celebrations of all time.
Teemu Selanne: Selanne’s salute celebration came after he broke the NHL rookie record for goals scored in a single season in 199He continued to use the celebration throughout his career, making it a trademark of his goal-scoring prowess.
Jaromir Jagr: Jagr’s salute celebration was a bit different than the typical military-style salute. He would put his stick between his legs and raise his hand in a more relaxed salute. Jagr used this celebration throughout his illustrious NHL career.
The Batting Practice
One of the more unique celebrations in hockey is the Batting Practice. This celebration imitates a baseball player stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run.
It’s not entirely clear where the Batting Practice celebration originated, but it’s believed to have first appeared in the NHL in the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Today, the Batting Practice celebration is a crowd-pleaser, as fans love to see players show off their athletic ability and creativity on the ice.
Why the Batting Practice is Such a Popular Celebration
One reason why the batting practice celebration is so popular is because it’s a way for players to show off their power and strength. With a bat in hand, players can mimic the action of hitting a home run and create an exciting moment for fans.
Another reason why the batting practice celebration is popular is because it’s a nod to the baseball origins of the sport. Hockey and baseball are two of the most popular sports in North America, and many fans appreciate the crossover between the two.
Finally, the batting practice celebration is an opportunity for players to show their personality and creativity. There are countless variations of the celebration, from players pretending to hit a ball out of the park to using their stick as a bat. It’s a fun and lighthearted way for players to connect with fans and enjoy their success on the ice.
How to Master the Batting Practice Celebration
If you want to perfect the batting practice celebration, follow these tips:
- Visualize: Before the game, visualize hitting a home run and performing the perfect batting practice celebration. This will help you mentally prepare.
- Get in position: After you hit the home run, get into position by standing still and facing the pitcher. Raise your bat to your shoulder to show that you’re ready for the pitcher’s next pitch.
- Time it right: As soon as the pitcher starts to wind up for their next pitch, start your celebration. Take a few steps forward and mimic swinging your bat as if you’re hitting another home run.
- Have fun: The batting practice celebration is all about having fun and enjoying the moment. Don’t take it too seriously and remember to celebrate with your teammates!
With these tips, you’ll be able to master the batting practice celebration and make it a memorable moment on the field.
Controversial Batting Practice Celebrations in Hockey
While the Batting Practice is a popular celebration among hockey players, it can also be a controversial one. Some people feel that the celebration is disrespectful to the opposing team, and can even incite violence on the ice. Others argue that it’s all in good fun and that it’s an important part of the game’s culture.
One of the most controversial Batting Practice celebrations in recent history occurred in 2013, when Montreal Canadiens player Brandon Prust performed the celebration after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators. This resulted in a heated exchange between the two teams, with several players getting into a physical altercation on the ice.
Another controversial Batting Practice celebration occurred in 2018, when Washington Capitals player Evgeny Kuznetsov performed the celebration after scoring a goal in a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Some Penguins players took offense to the celebration and accused Kuznetsov of disrespecting their team.
| Celebration | Year | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Practice | 2013 | Brandon Prust |
| Batting Practice | 2018 | Evgeny Kuznetsov |
| Batting Practice | 2019 | Alex Ovechkin |
| Batting Practice | 2021 | Tom Wilson |
| Batting Practice | 2022 | Matthew Tkachuk |
Despite the controversy, the Batting Practice celebration continues to be a popular one among hockey players, and it’s likely that we’ll see more players performing the celebration in the future.
The Windmill
Exciting: The Windmill is one of the most exciting goal celebrations in hockey. It’s a high-energy move that gets the crowd going and can even fire up your own team.
Challenging: The Windmill celebration is also one of the more challenging ones to pull off. It requires a lot of skill and practice to get the timing and execution just right.
Origin: The Windmill celebration is believed to have originated in Sweden, where it’s known as the “Moulin Rouge.” The first known Windmill in the NHL was performed by Swedish player Peter Forsberg in 1996.
Variations: Over the years, many players have put their own spin on the Windmill celebration. Some players add a jump or a spin, while others incorporate their stick or other props.
The Meaning Behind the Windmill Celebration
One of the most iconic celebrations in hockey is the windmill, which involves spinning the stick above the head in a circular motion. But what does it symbolize? Some believe it originated from Finnish players, who used it to show off their stickhandling skills during warmups.
Others suggest that it’s a nod to the Dutch windmills, as a tribute to the NHL’s international players. Another theory is that it represents the motion of a windmill generating energy, symbolizing the player’s effort and energy on the ice.
Regardless of its origin, the windmill has become a fan favorite celebration and a sign of a player’s confidence and excitement after scoring a goal. It’s even been mimicked by fans and players of other sports, proving its impact and influence on the world of sports celebrations.
Legendary Windmill Celebrations in NHL History
One of the most memorable windmill celebrations in NHL history occurred during the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, when Montreal Canadiens forward John Leclair scored a hat trick in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings. Leclair’s third goal came in overtime, and he celebrated by performing a windmill motion with his arms as he skated around the rink.
Another iconic windmill celebration happened during the 2010 Winter Olympics, when American forward Zach Parise scored the tying goal in the gold medal game against Canada with just 24 seconds remaining in regulation. Parise raised his arms and spun around in a windmill motion as the crowd erupted in cheers.
More recently, in the 2020 NHL playoffs, Dallas Stars forward Denis Gurianov performed a windmill celebration after scoring the overtime winner in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Gurianov’s celebration was a nod to his childhood idol, former NHL player Pavel Datsyuk, who often used the windmill celebration after scoring.
How to Add Your Own Spin to the Windmill Celebration
Looking to add your own style to the classic windmill celebration? Here are some tips:
Incorporate Props: Try using a prop such as a hat, stick or even a fan sign to add some flair to your windmill.
Get Creative: The windmill celebration is all about being creative, so don’t be afraid to try new moves and incorporate different gestures into your routine.
Practice Makes Perfect: The key to nailing any celebration is practice. Take the time to perfect your windmill in order to execute it flawlessly when the moment comes.
The Knee Slide
The knee slide is one of the most iconic celebrations in soccer. Players often perform this celebration after scoring a crucial goal in a game. The celebration involves sliding on one knee while extending the arms outwards.
The knee slide is not only a celebration but also a tribute to players who have inspired the celebration. Many soccer legends, including Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo, have performed the knee slide throughout their careers.
The knee slide celebration requires practice and technique to master. Players must ensure that the slide is executed smoothly to avoid injury. Additionally, the celebration must be performed in a safe area to avoid collisions with other players or obstacles on the pitch.
The knee slide celebration has evolved over the years. Some players perform the celebration with a twist, such as adding a somersault or spinning after the slide. These variations have made the celebration more exciting and memorable for fans.
The knee slide celebration has become a symbol of success and victory in soccer. It is a moment that players and fans alike look forward to, as it represents the culmination of hard work and determination on the pitch.
The Art of the Knee Slide Celebration
The knee slide is a classic goal celebration that is popular across many sports, including hockey. It involves sliding on one’s knees across the ice while pumping one’s fist in the air. It’s a bold and exhilarating way to celebrate a goal, and it requires a certain level of skill and finesse to pull off successfully.
The key to a great knee slide is to time it just right. You want to make sure you’re sliding at the right speed and at the right angle to get the most distance and speed. You also need to be careful not to crash into the boards or other players on the ice.
Another important aspect of the knee slide is the fist pump. You want to make sure your fist is raised high in the air and that you’re pumping it in a confident, triumphant manner. This helps to convey the excitement and emotion of the moment and can really help to amp up the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hockey players and fans use sayings when someone scores?
Using sayings is a way to add excitement and energy to the game. It also helps to create a sense of community among players and fans, as they all share in the excitement of the goal.
Do different positions on the hockey team have different sayings for when they score?
While there aren’t necessarily different sayings for different positions, players may have their own individual sayings or superstitions that they use when they score.
Can fans use the same sayings as players when someone scores?
Absolutely! Fans are encouraged to use the same sayings as players when someone scores, as it helps to create a sense of unity and excitement in the arena or at home.