Hockey is a sport steeped in tradition and superstition, from playoff beards to lucky socks. However, one of the most intriguing traditions in hockey is the use of rats. That’s right, rats. But what is a rat in hockey? And how did this unusual tradition begin? If you’re a fan of the sport or just curious about its customs, read on to discover the shocking truth about rats in hockey that you need to know now.
While it may seem strange to associate rats with a sport like hockey, this tradition has a long and storied history, particularly in the state of Florida. The use of rats as a symbol dates back to the early 1990s, when the Florida Panthers joined the NHL. Fans would throw plastic rats onto the ice to celebrate a Panthers’ goal, leading to one of the most unique and enduring traditions in sports.
However, the use of rats in hockey hasn’t been without controversy, and the NHL has even had to implement rules to prevent the use of live animals on the ice. Despite this, rats continue to be an important part of hockey culture and tradition, and understanding their significance is key to understanding the sport itself.
If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating world of rats in hockey, keep reading to discover everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
History of the Rat Tradition in Hockey
The rat tradition in hockey has been around for decades, but its origins are unclear. Some believe it started in the early 1990s during a playoff game between the Florida Panthers and the Calgary Flames. The Panthers were losing, and frustrated fans began throwing rubber rats onto the ice. The Panthers eventually won the game, and the rat became a symbol of good luck for the team.
Others believe the tradition started in the minor leagues before making its way to the NHL. Regardless of its origins, the rat tradition has become a beloved part of hockey culture, with fans of many teams adopting it as their own.
The Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have embraced the rat tradition, and it has become a staple of their home games. Fans are encouraged to throw rats onto the ice after the team scores a goal. The team even sells plush rats at their merchandise store. In 2016, the Panthers held a “Rat Trick Challenge,” encouraging fans to donate canned goods in exchange for a plush rat.
Other Teams
- The Detroit Red Wings have their own version of the rat tradition, throwing an octopus onto the ice during games.
- The Nashville Predators have a catfish tradition, where fans throw a catfish onto the ice.
- The Edmonton Oilers have a similar tradition with hats, throwing them onto the ice after a player scores three goals in a game.
Controversy
Despite its popularity, the rat tradition has faced controversy over the years. In 1996, the NHL banned the tradition, calling it a safety hazard. However, after public outcry, the ban was lifted. In 2012, the NHL banned the tradition once again, but this time only during warmups and after the game. The ban was lifted again in 2016.
Despite the controversy, the rat tradition remains a beloved part of hockey culture and continues to be a symbol of good luck for many teams and fans.
How Did the Rat Come to Symbolize Florida Panthers Fans?
While the rat toss has become a beloved tradition for Florida Panthers fans, many people are still unsure how the rat came to be the symbol of their team. The story begins in 1995 when the Panthers were playing their first season in the NHL. The team was doing well, but the fans weren’t showing up in large numbers. That all changed during a game against the Calgary Flames on October 8, 199
Scott Mellanby scored the team’s first goal of the season, but he did so with a rat instead of a puck. After the game, Mellanby revealed that he had killed the rat in the locker room before the game, using his stick to do so. The story spread quickly, and soon fans were throwing rubber rats onto the ice every time the Panthers scored. The tradition was born, and it has been a part of Panthers culture ever since.
The Infamous Rat Trick
One of the most memorable moments in Florida Panthers history occurred during the 1996 playoffs when Scott Mellanby scored two goals in a game against the Boston Bruins. After his second goal, fans threw so many rats onto the ice that the game had to be stopped for several minutes while the rats were cleared off. This moment became known as the “Rat Trick” and solidified the rat as a symbol of Panthers fandom.
The Rat as a Good Luck Charm
For Panthers fans, throwing a rat onto the ice is not just a way to celebrate a goal. Many fans also believe that the rat is a good luck charm that can help the team win games. During the 2011-2012 season, Panthers forward Tomas Fleischmann credited a rubber rat thrown onto the ice by a fan for helping him score a game-winning goal against the Montreal Canadiens.
The Rat Toss Today
Today, the rat toss is a beloved tradition among Panthers fans, and it continues to be a part of the team’s culture. While the NHL has tried to crack down on the tradition in the past, it has not been successful, and Panthers fans continue to celebrate their team’s goals by throwing rubber rats onto the ice. The tradition shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you’re a fan of the Florida Panthers, or just curious about the history of hockey traditions, the story of the rat toss is one you won’t want to miss. From its origins in the locker room of the Panthers’ first season to its current status as a beloved fan tradition, the rat toss is a testament to the passion and dedication of Panthers fans. So the next time you see a rat flying through the air at a Panthers game, you’ll know exactly what it means.
Unwritten Rules of Throwing Rats on the Ice
Throwing rats on the ice has become a beloved tradition among Florida Panthers fans, but there are unwritten rules that must be followed. The tradition began during the 1995-1996 season, when the Panthers made a historic run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Fans started throwing rats on the ice after goals in honor of Scott Mellanby, who had killed a rat in the locker room before the team’s home opener. The Panthers have since embraced the tradition, but there are guidelines that fans must follow when throwing rats on the ice.
The rules of throwing rats on the ice include waiting until the end of the game to throw any rats, only throwing plastic rats, and not throwing rats onto the opposing team’s bench or onto the ice during play. Violating these rules can result in penalties for the team and ejections for fans. While throwing rats on the ice can be a fun and exciting tradition, it is important to do so responsibly and with respect for the game and the other fans.
Guidelines for Throwing Rats
- Only throw plastic rats
- Wait until the end of the game to throw any rats
- Do not throw rats onto the opposing team’s bench
The Consequences of Breaking the Rules
While throwing rats on the ice is a beloved tradition, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the team and the league. Violating these rules can result in penalties for the team and ejections for fans. In the past, the Panthers have been penalized for fans throwing rats onto the ice during play, and fans have been ejected from the arena for throwing rats onto the opposing team’s bench. It is important to remember that while the tradition is fun and exciting, it should not come at the expense of the game or the safety of others.
The Spirit of the Tradition
The tradition of throwing rats on the ice is a symbol of the passion and enthusiasm of Florida Panthers fans. It represents the love of the game and the team, and the desire to celebrate their successes. While there are rules that must be followed, the spirit of the tradition remains strong. Fans continue to throw rats onto the ice in honor of their favorite players and to show their support for the team. The tradition is a unique and beloved part of the hockey world, and it will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Most Memorable Rat Moments in Hockey History
The tradition of throwing rats on the ice started in Florida, but it quickly became popular across the NHL. Here are some of the most memorable rat moments in hockey history.
Panthers Win Game 5 of 1996 Stanley Cup Finals
In Game 5 of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers were facing elimination against the Colorado Avalanche. With the game tied 1-1 in the third period, Scott Mellanby scored a goal and then famously killed a rat in the locker room with his stick. The Panthers went on to win the game and force a Game They would eventually lose the series, but the moment is still remembered as a key part of the Panthers’ history.
Keith Primeau’s Overtime Goal in 2000
- In 2000, Keith Primeau scored an overtime goal in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Penguins. As he celebrated the goal, rats rained down on the ice from the stands, delaying the game for several minutes. The Flyers went on to win the game and force a Game 7, which they also won, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
- The incident also led to the NHL adopting a rule that allowed officials to assess a delay of game penalty to the home team if objects are thrown onto the ice.
Rat Trick in Nashville
In a 2015 game between the Florida Panthers and the Nashville Predators, Panthers forward Reilly Smith scored three goals, recording a hat trick. As is tradition, hats rained down onto the ice to celebrate the feat. But in a nod to the Panthers’ rat tradition, some Predators fans threw plastic rats onto the ice as well.
What Are the NHL’s Rules Regarding the Use of Rats in Hockey?
If you’re a hockey fan, you may have heard about the tradition of throwing rats on the ice. The practice started in 1995 during a Florida Panthers game when forward Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room with his stick before scoring two goals in the game. Fans began throwing rubber rats onto the ice to celebrate Panthers’ goals, and the tradition soon spread to other teams.
While the use of rats in hockey has become a beloved tradition among fans, the NHL has specific rules regarding what can and cannot be thrown onto the ice during a game. According to Rule 63.4, “Any object thrown onto the ice surface during play or stoppage of play from the players’ or penalty benches, or from the crowd, shall be picked up by the Referee at the end of the play or stoppage of play and handed to an off-ice official at the scorer’s table.”
What Are the Consequences of Breaking This Rule?
- If a player or team official throws an object onto the ice, they will receive a minor penalty for delay of game.
- If a fan throws an object onto the ice, the home team may be assessed a bench minor penalty.
- If a fan continues to throw objects onto the ice, the home team may be assessed a minor penalty.
What Are the Exceptions to This Rule?
There are a few exceptions to Rule 63.For example, the home team may distribute giveaway items to fans during a game, such as hats or t-shirts, as long as they are not thrown onto the ice during play or stoppage of play. Additionally, if a player scores three goals in a game (a hat trick), fans may throw hats onto the ice to celebrate, and there will be no penalty assessed.
What Should Fans Do Instead of Throwing Rats?
- If you want to celebrate your team’s success, consider cheering, clapping, or chanting.
- Wear your team’s colors or jerseys to show your support.
- Create signs or banners to show your enthusiasm.
Controversies Surrounding the Use of Rats in Hockey Games
While rats have become an iconic symbol in the NHL thanks to the famous story of the Florida Panthers, their use on the ice has been the subject of much controversy over the years. The league has taken steps to address the issue and establish clear rules regarding the use of rats in hockey games.
Here are some of the key controversies surrounding the use of rats in NHL games:
Florida Panthers Rats
- The Florida Panthers rat tradition began during the 1995-1996 season when Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the team’s locker room with his stick before scoring two goals in the game.
- Fans began throwing plastic rats on the ice after Panthers victories, and the league eventually banned the practice, only allowing rats to be thrown after a hat trick.
- The Panthers’ rat tradition was reignited in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when fans threw rubber rats on the ice during the team’s playoff run in an empty arena.
Rats Used as a Distraction
- Opposing teams have been known to use rats as a distraction tactic, throwing them on the ice during play to disrupt the game.
- While the league has established rules against the use of animals as a distraction, rats continue to be used in this way, leading to penalties and fines for the offending teams.
Health and Safety Concerns
- The use of rats in NHL games has also raised health and safety concerns, with players at risk of injury from slipping on the ice or getting hit by flying objects.
- There are also concerns about the potential spread of disease and unsanitary conditions from the use of real rats.
- To address these concerns, the league has established rules against the use of live animals in games, and encourages the use of plastic or rubber rats as a safer alternative.
What Other Animals Are Used as Symbols in Hockey?
Hockey has a rich tradition of using animal symbols as mascots or logos. While rats may have caused controversy, other animals have been widely accepted and celebrated in hockey culture.
Here are three animals commonly used as symbols in hockey:
The Penguin
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most successful NHL teams of the past decade, with five Stanley Cup championships to their name. The team’s mascot, a penguin named Iceburgh, is a beloved symbol of the team and its fans. The penguin also represents speed and agility on the ice, qualities that the Penguins have in abundance.
The Canuck
The Vancouver Canucks are one of Canada’s most popular NHL teams, and their logo features a stylized “C” with a killer whale breaking through it. However, the team’s name itself comes from the term “Canuck,” which is slang for a Canadian. The team’s mascot is a friendly orca named Fin, who entertains fans during games and community events.
The Panther
The Florida Panthers may not be as well-known as some of the NHL’s other teams, but their logo is instantly recognizable to hockey fans. The logo features a snarling panther head, which represents the speed, strength, and fierceness of the team on the ice. The panther is also a nod to the team’s location in the Sunshine State, where panthers are an endangered species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rat in hockey?
A rat in hockey refers to a fan who throws a rubber rat on the ice to celebrate a goal. This tradition originated in 1995 when Florida Panthers forward Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room before a game and then went on to score two goals that night. Fans then began throwing rubber rats on the ice after Panthers goals, and the tradition has since spread to other teams and leagues.
Why do hockey fans throw rats on the ice?
Hockey fans throw rats on the ice as a way of celebrating a goal. This tradition began with the Florida Panthers in 1995, when Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room before a game and then went on to score two goals that night. Fans began throwing rubber rats on the ice after Panthers goals, and the tradition has since spread to other teams and leagues. It has become a way for fans to show their enthusiasm and support for their team.
Is throwing rats on the ice dangerous?
Throwing rats on the ice can be dangerous for players and officials, as well as for other fans. The NHL has rules in place to prevent objects from being thrown onto the ice during games, and fans who violate these rules can be ejected from the arena and even face criminal charges. In addition, objects on the ice can create hazards for players and officials, and can cause delays or even injuries.
What happens to the rats after they are thrown on the ice?
After rats are thrown on the ice, they are collected by arena staff and disposed of. In some cases, the rats are donated to local wildlife organizations or used for other purposes, such as research. However, the NHL has rules in place to prevent objects from being thrown onto the ice during games, and fans who violate these rules can be ejected from the arena and even face criminal charges.
Do all hockey teams have a rat tradition?
No, not all hockey teams have a rat tradition. The tradition originated with the Florida Panthers in 1995, and has since spread to other teams and leagues. However, many teams have their own unique traditions and rituals that they use to celebrate goals or to pump up their fans. These can include everything from playing specific songs to waving towels or other objects in the stands.
What other objects do hockey fans throw on the ice?
Hockey fans have been known to throw a variety of objects on the ice, including hats, octopuses, and even live animals. The throwing of hats is a common tradition in hockey, where fans toss their hats onto the ice after a player scores three goals in a single game. In Detroit, fans throw octopuses on the ice as a way of celebrating the Red Wings’ playoff successes. However, it is important to note that throwing objects on the ice can be dangerous and is against NHL rules.