With the hockey season in full swing, fans across the country are cheering for their favorite teams. But in Nashville, something peculiar happens every time the Predators score a goal. Hockey fans in Music City take catfish tossing to a whole new level, flinging the slippery fish onto the ice rink with great enthusiasm. But where did this unusual tradition come from? And why catfish?
The story behind the Nashville catfish toss involves a little bit of ingenuity, a whole lot of passion, and one determined fisherman. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the tradition, the first catfish that landed on the ice, and the famous fans who made the toss famous.
But the catfish tradition is not without its detractors. Some say it’s unsanitary, while others think it’s disrespectful to the game. We’ll also take a look at the controversies surrounding the catfish toss, and examine why the tradition has persisted despite the backlash.
If you’re a hockey fan or just curious about unusual sports traditions, keep reading to find out why Nashville fans throw catfish on the ice.
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Tradition
The Nashville Predators and their fans have made headlines around the world with their unusual tradition of throwing a catfish onto the ice during hockey games. But where did this strange ritual come from? As it turns out, the story behind the tradition is just as interesting as the tradition itself.
Legend has it that the tradition started during the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs when two Nashville fans smuggled a catfish into a game against the Detroit Red Wings. The fans threw the fish onto the ice as a symbol of good luck, hoping to inspire their team to victory. The Predators went on to win the game, and the tradition was born.
The Smuggling Process
While it’s easy to imagine fans casually strolling into Bridgestone Arena with a catfish under their arm, the reality is that smuggling the fish into the arena takes careful planning and execution. Fans have been known to conceal the fish in pantyhose, duct tape them to their bodies, or even bring them in inside coolers or bags filled with ice.
Impact on the Community
While some may view the tradition as nothing more than a quirky oddity, it has become a beloved symbol of Nashville and its hockey community. The team has fully embraced the tradition, selling t-shirts and even featuring a giant catfish on their Jumbotron during games. Fans have also started their own traditions, such as decorating the fish in team colors or even dressing them up in tiny hockey jerseys.
- Some fans have taken the tradition to the extreme, throwing not just catfish but also other sea creatures like octopuses and squid.
- The tradition has even spread to other sports, with fans throwing catfish onto the field during a Tennessee Titans NFL game.
The Future of the Tradition
Despite some controversy and opposition from other teams and arenas, the catfish tradition shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it has only grown in popularity and become an even more integral part of the Nashville hockey experience. Who knows what other unique and quirky traditions hockey fans will come up with in the years to come?
The First Catfish Thrown on the Ice
While the exact origins of the catfish toss remain somewhat of a mystery, the first known instance of a catfish being thrown onto the ice at a Nashville Predators game dates back to the team’s first playoff appearance in 2003.
The story goes that two Nashville brothers, Blake and Brett Weber, were inspired by a similar tradition at Detroit Red Wings games involving an octopus. Seeking to create their own unique tradition, they purchased a catfish from a local market, filleted it in the parking lot, and smuggled it into the arena in their underwear.
The Toss Heard ‘Round the World
The Weber brothers’ bold move sparked a wave of copycats (pun intended) among Predators fans, and the tradition quickly became a beloved and somewhat bizarre staple of Nashville hockey culture.
The Catfish King
- One of the most notable figures in the history of the catfish toss is undoubtedly Jacob Waddell, a die-hard Predators fan who earned the nickname “Catfish Jake” after tossing a catfish onto the ice during Game 1 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals in Pittsburgh.
- Waddell managed to sneak the fish into PPG Paints Arena by vacuum-sealing it, wrapping it in a “PK Subban #76” jersey, and hiding it under his clothing.
- His antics made headlines around the world, and he was eventually charged with several misdemeanors – though the charges were later dropped.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, the catfish toss remains a beloved and uniquely Nashville tradition, with fans continuing to smuggle fish into Bridgestone Arena and fling them onto the ice at opportune moments. Whether it’s a lucky charm, a way to show support for the team, or simply a fun and quirky way to spice up a hockey game, the catfish toss has firmly established itself as a cherished part of Predators lore.
The Famous Catfish Tossing Fans
After Robert W. Collins threw the first catfish onto the ice in 2003, catfish tossing became a tradition at Predators games. However, it was not until five years later, in 2008, that the tradition truly took off.
Two Nashville fans, Wes Stitt and his friend Jared, decided to take catfish tossing to the next level. They smuggled a catfish into a game at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena and threw it onto the ice during the game. The incident gained national attention, and the catfish tossers became known as the “Catfish Guys.”
The Original Catfish Guys
- Wes Stitt
- Jared
The Catfish Guys’ fame grew, and soon other fans began tossing catfish onto the ice at Predators games. The tradition even inspired other teams to create their own versions of catfish tossing, such as the Florida Panthers’ rat toss and the Detroit Red Wings’ octopus toss.
The Catfish Queen
In 2017, the Predators played in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. During one of the games, a woman named Briley Meeks threw a catfish onto the ice. Meeks quickly gained fame as the “Catfish Queen” and became a fixture at Predators games.
The Catfish Ninja
- Jacob Waddell
Another famous catfish tosser is Jacob Waddell, who earned the nickname “Catfish Ninja” for his creative methods of sneaking a catfish into a game. During the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, Waddell smuggled a catfish into a game in Pittsburgh by hiding it in his compression shorts. He then tossed the catfish onto the ice, earning him national attention and even a criminal charge for disorderly conduct.
These famous catfish tossing fans have become beloved fixtures at Predators games and have helped to make the tradition a beloved part of the team’s culture.
The Repercussions and Controversy
While the tradition of throwing catfish on the ice during hockey games has become a beloved symbol of team spirit for many fans, it has also been the subject of controversy and repercussions. Some argue that the act is unsanitary and disruptive, while others see it as harmless fun. Regardless of one’s opinion, there have been real consequences for those caught throwing catfish on the ice.
One of the most notable repercussions was faced by Jacob Waddell, the man who threw the first catfish onto the ice during the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. Waddell was charged with disorderly conduct and fined $5000. The incident also sparked debates about the legality of throwing objects onto the ice during games.
The Legal Debate
The legality of catfish tossing has been a contentious issue in the world of hockey. Some argue that the act is harmless and adds to the excitement of the game, while others believe that it poses a safety risk to players and is a form of fan misconduct.
- Those in favor of catfish tossing point to other sports, such as baseball, where throwing objects onto the field is a common tradition.
- Others argue that the tradition is disrespectful to the opposing team and goes against the values of sportsmanship.
Sanitary Concerns
Another issue raised by opponents of catfish tossing is the unsanitary nature of the act. Raw fish can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, and throwing them onto the ice can create a slippery and dangerous surface for players.
- Some teams have even gone as far as to ban catfish from their arenas, citing concerns over hygiene and safety.
- Despite these concerns, many fans continue to engage in catfish tossing, seeing it as a harmless and fun tradition.
The Future of Catfish Tossing
As the debate over catfish tossing continues, it remains to be seen what the future of this tradition will be. Will it continue to be a beloved symbol of team spirit, or will it be phased out due to concerns over safety and hygiene?
One thing is for sure, catfish tossing has become a memorable part of hockey culture, and whether you love it or hate it, it is sure to continue to spark debate and controversy for years to come.
The Legacy and Significance of the Tradition
Despite the controversies surrounding catfish tossing, it remains a beloved tradition among hockey fans in Nashville and beyond. The tradition has become synonymous with the team and city, creating a unique identity and sense of community among fans. Beyond the entertainment value, the catfish toss has also been a symbol of perseverance and determination for the team.
The tradition has even inspired other teams and cities to create their own unique traditions, further adding to the vibrancy and excitement of the sport. From the octopus toss in Detroit to the rat toss in Florida, catfish tossing has paved the way for a plethora of entertaining and unforgettable moments in sports history.
The Catfish King
One man who played a significant role in the catfish tossing tradition is Pete Weber, the radio play-by-play announcer for the Nashville Predators. Weber’s iconic call of “It’s a catfish!” has become a staple of the tradition and a source of excitement for fans. Weber’s enthusiasm and love for the team and city have helped to cement the tradition as an integral part of Predators culture.
A Connection to the Community
Beyond the entertainment and excitement, the catfish tossing tradition has also been a way for the team to connect with the local community. The team has partnered with local businesses to create special promotions and events surrounding the tradition, further fostering a sense of community and support for the team.
- The team has partnered with a local fish market to provide the catfish used in the toss, supporting a small business in the community.
- The team has also worked with a local brewery to create a special beer to celebrate the tradition, further highlighting the city’s unique identity and culture.
A Lasting Legacy
While there may be controversy surrounding catfish tossing, there is no denying the lasting impact and significance it has had on the sport of hockey and the city of Nashville. The tradition has created a unique identity and sense of community among fans, inspired other teams and cities to create their own unique traditions, and even helped to support local businesses.
- The catfish toss will always be a symbol of perseverance and determination for the Nashville Predators.
- The tradition has become a source of excitement and entertainment for fans of the sport and will continue to be a beloved part of hockey culture for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story behind Nashville hockey fans throwing catfish on the ice?
The tradition of throwing catfish on the ice during Nashville Predators games began in 2003 during the team’s inaugural season in the NHL. A group of fans wanted to create a unique and memorable way to show support for their team, so they decided to adopt a tradition from the Detroit Red Wings, who had a similar tradition with octopuses. The catfish represents Nashville’s southern roots and the tenacity of the team.
Is throwing catfish on the ice allowed in the NHL?
Technically, no. The NHL has rules against throwing objects on the ice, and fans who are caught doing so can be ejected from the arena and even face criminal charges. However, the Nashville Predators organization has embraced the catfish tradition and has even helped to facilitate it during playoff games by providing catfish to fans outside the arena.
How do fans sneak catfish into the arena?
There are a variety of ways that fans have been known to sneak catfish into the arena, including hiding them in clothing, coolers, and even prosthetic legs. However, it’s worth noting that attempting to sneak anything into an arena is against the rules and can result in ejection from the game.
What happens to the catfish after it’s thrown on the ice?
After the catfish is thrown on the ice, the arena staff typically removes it from the ice and disposes of it. Some fans have been known to retrieve the catfish and take it home as a souvenir, but this is not recommended as it can pose health risks.
Are there any other teams or fan bases that have similar traditions?
Yes, several other NHL teams and fan bases have similar traditions. The Detroit Red Wings have a tradition of throwing octopuses on the ice, while fans of the Florida Panthers have been known to throw rubber rats. Fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins have also adopted a tradition of throwing “terrible towels” on the ice during playoff games.
What impact has the catfish tradition had on the Nashville Predators and their fans?
The catfish tradition has become an iconic part of Nashville Predators culture, and it has helped to unite the team and its fans. The tradition has also garnered national attention, which has helped to raise awareness of the team and the city of Nashville as a whole.