What Is A Double Hat Trick in Hockey? Learn The Rules & Records

Are you an avid hockey fan, but sometimes struggle to keep up with the sport’s unique terminology? If so, you may have heard of the phrase “double hat trick” and wondered what it means. In this article, we will explore the rules and records of a double hat trick in hockey and answer all your questions.

First things first, let’s define what a hat trick is. A hat trick in hockey occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. So, naturally, a double hat trick is when a player scores six goals in one game. Sounds impressive, right? Well, it’s a rare feat that has only been achieved a handful of times in NHL history.

If you want to learn more about this incredible accomplishment, including how it’s achieved and who holds the records, keep reading. You won’t want to miss out on the fascinating history of the double hat trick in hockey!

Double Hat Trick Definition

Ice hockey is a fast-paced and exciting game that is popular all around the world. While many people are familiar with the term “hat trick,” which refers to a player scoring three goals in a single game, the “double hat trick” is a lesser-known achievement. To score a double hat trick, a player must score six goals in a single game. That’s right, six!

While double hat tricks are rare, they have occurred throughout the history of the sport. They require an incredible amount of skill, endurance, and luck. A player who achieves a double hat trick is sure to be celebrated by fans, teammates, and coaches alike.

To be considered a true double hat trick, all six goals must be scored by the same player. If two players on the same team score three goals each, it does not count as a double hat trick. Additionally, if a player scores more than six goals in a game, it is still only considered a double hat trick.

Double hat tricks are not just limited to professional hockey. They can also occur in youth leagues, collegiate play, and other levels of competition. Regardless of where they occur, double hat tricks are always an impressive feat that leaves fans in awe.

While double hat tricks may be less common than hat tricks, they are an important part of hockey history and lore. They represent a rare achievement that requires immense skill and talent. Keep reading to learn more about how double hat tricks are achieved, who holds the records for most double hat tricks, and more.

What does a Double Hat Trick mean in Hockey?

A Double Hat Trick is a rare achievement in ice hockey where a player scores six goals in a single game. This feat is also referred to as a six-goal game or a six-pack. It is an incredible accomplishment for any player, especially considering the difficulty of scoring goals in hockey.

To put this achievement in perspective, the most goals ever scored in a single NHL game is seven, a record shared by five players. Only a few players in the history of the game have achieved a double hat trick, making it one of the most difficult records to break.

A double hat trick is a step above a regular hat trick, which is three goals scored by a single player in a single game. When a player scores four goals in a game, it is referred to as a four-goal game. Anything beyond that, including a double hat trick, is considered an extraordinary performance.

It’s important to note that a double hat trick only counts if the goals are scored during regulation time or overtime. Goals scored during a shootout do not count towards a player’s total.

The term “hat trick” itself has an interesting origin. The story goes that in the early 1900s, a player named Alexei Ivanovich Cherepanov scored three goals in a game, and fans threw their hats onto the ice in celebration. The tradition stuck and is now commonplace in hockey arenas around the world.

Overall, a double hat trick is a remarkable accomplishment that cements a player’s name in hockey history. It takes an immense amount of skill, hard work, and a bit of luck to achieve this incredible feat.

How Is A Double Hat Trick Achieved?

Scoring 6 goals in a single game is no easy feat, but achieving a double hat trick requires a unique set of circumstances. Here are some ways in which a player can achieve a double hat trick:

Consistent Scoring: A player must consistently score throughout the game, typically in the first two periods, to have a chance at achieving a double hat trick. This requires a combination of skill, accuracy, and a bit of luck.

Teamwork: Scoring multiple goals in a game often requires teamwork. Linemates can help set up plays and create opportunities for the player aiming for a double hat trick.

Power Play Opportunities: Power play opportunities increase a player’s chances of scoring multiple goals in a game. If a team has a significant number of power play opportunities, it can increase the likelihood of a player achieving a double hat trick.

Playing Time: To score six goals in a game, a player needs sufficient playing time. If a coach benches a player for a portion of the game or limits their playing time, it can hinder their chances of achieving a double hat trick.

What are the Rules for Scoring a Double Hat Trick?

In order to achieve a double hat trick in hockey, a player must score six goals in a single game. However, there are certain rules that must be followed in order for these goals to count towards a double hat trick:

1. The six goals must be scored by the same player on the same team
2. All six goals must be scored during the same game
3. The six goals can be a combination of even-strength, power-play, and shorthanded goals
4. The opposing team can pull their goalie without affecting the possibility of a double hat trick
5. The goals must be scored in regulation time or overtime, not during a shootout

It’s important to note that a player can still achieve a hat trick by scoring three goals in a single game, but in order to achieve a double hat trick, they must score six goals. It’s a rare feat that has only been accomplished a few times in NHL history, making it a highly coveted achievement for any hockey player.

How Rare is a Double Hat Trick?

Scoring a double hat trick in hockey is an extremely rare achievement. In fact, it’s so rare that it has only been accomplished a handful of times throughout the history of the sport.

The rarity of the double hat trick can be attributed to a number of factors, including the high level of skill and focus required to score six goals in a single game, as well as the fact that many coaches will often switch out players after they score a couple of goals to give their other players a chance to score.

In addition, the game of hockey has become more defensively oriented in recent years, with teams often employing a “trap” defense designed to limit scoring opportunities for the opposing team. This makes it even more difficult for a player to score six goals in a single game.

Despite these challenges, there have been a few players who have managed to score a double hat trick throughout the years, cementing their place in hockey history and earning the admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

Notable Double Hat Trick Performances

Wayne Gretzky – The Great One scored an incredible five double hat tricks in his career, including a 7-point game against the Quebec Nordiques in 1984.

Mario Lemieux – Lemieux recorded four double hat tricks during his career, including a memorable performance against the Philadelphia Flyers in 1989 where he scored eight points.

Alex Ovechkin – Ovechkin, one of the most prolific goal scorers of all time, has recorded three double hat tricks, including a four-goal game against the Montreal Canadiens in 2017.

Bobby Hull – Hull, known as “The Golden Jet,” recorded three double hat tricks during his Hall of Fame career, including a six-goal game against the New York Rangers in 1965.

Who Has Scored a Double Hat Trick in the NHL?

Player Name	Date	Team
Alex Smart	Feb 22, 1964	Toronto Maple Leafs
Darryl Sittler	Feb 7, 1976	Toronto Maple Leafs
Wayne Gretzky	Dec 30, 1981	Edmonton Oilers
Mario Lemieux	Dec 31, 1988	Pittsburgh Penguins
Jari Kurri	Nov 19, 1983	Edmonton Oilers
Bobby Clarke	Jan 31, 1976	Philadelphia Flyers

A double hat trick is an impressive accomplishment in the NHL, and it’s rare for players to achieve this feat. It refers to when a player scores six goals in a single game. Throughout the NHL’s history, only a select few players have managed to score six goals in a game, making it a highly coveted accomplishment.

Alex Smart was the first player to score a double hat trick in the NHL on Feb 22, 1964, when he was playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The second player to accomplish this feat was Darryl Sittler, also a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Feb 7, 1976.

Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest player in NHL history, scored a double hat trick on Dec 30, 1981, while playing for the Edmonton Oilers. Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins achieved this feat on Dec 31, 1988, and Jari Kurri, Gretzky’s former teammate on the Oilers, also managed to score six goals in a game on Nov 19, 1983.

The last player to accomplish this impressive feat was Bobby Clarke of the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan 31, 197Despite the rarity of a double hat trick, these talented players managed to score six goals in a single game, cementing their names in NHL history.

Double Hat Trick Records & Stats

Double hat tricks in the NHL are a rare occurrence, with only a select few players having achieved this feat in the history of the league. The record for the most double hat tricks in a career belongs to Wayne Gretzky, who scored a total of 10 during his legendary career. Gretzky’s closest competition in this regard is Mario Lemieux, who recorded 6 double hat tricks in his career.

Another interesting record related to double hat tricks is the most goals scored in a single game by a player, a record that has been achieved just 5 times in the history of the NHL. One of the most famous instances of this was when Darryl Sittler of the Toronto Maple Leafs scored 6 goals and added 4 assists for a total of 10 points in a game against the Boston Bruins in 1976.

It’s worth noting that the term “double hat trick” is not officially recognized by the NHL, and is instead a colloquialism used to describe a player scoring 6 goals in a single game. The NHL officially recognizes a player who scores 3 goals in a single game as having achieved a hat trick.

While double hat tricks are rare, the NHL has seen its fair share of players achieving the feat multiple times in a single season. One such player was Alex Mogilny, who became the first player in NHL history to score double hat tricks in consecutive games during the 1992-93 season.

Despite the rarity of double hat tricks, they remain one of the most exciting occurrences in the NHL. When a player achieves this feat, it is a testament to their skill, determination, and ability to perform at the highest level. As such, fans of the game will no doubt continue to marvel at the players who can score not just one, but two hat tricks in a single game.

Most Double Hat Tricks in NHL History

Double hat tricks are a rare feat in the NHL, and only a handful of players have been able to achieve this remarkable milestone in their careers. However, there are some players who have managed to score more than one double hat trick throughout their career. Here are the top five players with the most double hat tricks in NHL history:

1. Wayne Gretzky: Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history, and he also holds the record for the most double hat tricks. He has scored four double hat tricks throughout his illustrious career, which is a testament to his exceptional talent and skill.
2. Mario Lemieux: Lemieux was a dominant force in the NHL during his prime, and he scored three double hat tricks in his career. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in NHL history, and his ability to score at will was truly remarkable.
3. Alex Ovechkin: Ovechkin is one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history, and he has scored three double hat tricks in his career so far. His powerful shot and exceptional scoring ability have made him a fan favorite and a perennial all-star.
4. Maurice Richard: Richard was one of the greatest players in NHL history, and he scored two double hat tricks during his career. He was a tenacious player who never gave up, and his scoring prowess helped lead the Montreal Canadiens to numerous championships.
5. Jari Kurri: Kurri was a dominant force during the 1980s, and he scored two double hat tricks during his career. He was a key member of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty, and his chemistry with Wayne Gretzky helped lead the team to multiple Stanley Cup championships.

These players are a testament to the incredible skill and talent that is required to score a double hat trick in the NHL. It is a rare feat that only a select few players have been able to achieve, and it will always be remembered as one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of the sport.

Fastest Double Hat Trick in NHL History

Double hat tricks are a rare feat in the NHL, but some players have managed to score them in record time. The fastest double hat trick in NHL history was scored by Bill Mosienko on March 23, 195Mosienko scored three goals in the first period in just 21 seconds, setting a record that still stands today.

The game was played between the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers at the Chicago Stadium. Mosienko’s first goal was scored at 6:09, his second at 6:20, and his third at 6:30. His remarkable achievement was witnessed by just over 6,000 fans in attendance that night.

Mosienko’s record is considered by many to be one of the most impressive feats in NHL history. The fact that he scored three goals in just 21 seconds is a testament to his incredible skill and determination. Despite the fact that his record has stood for over 70 years, many fans still hold out hope that someone will be able to break it someday.

• Alex Mogilny is the second-fastest player to record a double hat trick in NHL history, achieving the feat in just under four minutes on March 20, 1995.
• Nicolas Petan recorded a double hat trick in just over 10 minutes on February 7, 2015.
• Derick Brassard scored three goals in just under 13 minutes to record a double hat trick on February 19, 2016.
• Bobby Ryan scored three goals in just over 15 minutes to record a double hat trick on February 27, 2014.
• Wayne Gretzky, widely considered one of the greatest NHL players of all time, never recorded a double hat trick in his career.

While the double hat trick is a rare occurrence in the NHL, the fact that it has been accomplished multiple times by several players over the years is a testament to the incredible talent and skill of those who play the game.

Youngest Player to Score a Double Hat Trick in NHL History

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. And he started his NHL career with a bang by becoming the youngest player to score a double hat trick. At the age of 18 years and 10 months, Gretzky scored 3 goals in the first period and another 3 in the second period for the Edmonton Oilers in a game against the Quebec Nordiques on December 30, 1978.

Gretzky’s record still stands to this day, and it’s no surprise that he went on to have an incredible career. In addition to his record for the youngest player with a double hat trick, Gretzky holds the NHL records for most goals, most assists, and most points in a career.

But Gretzky’s achievement is not just impressive because of his young age. It’s also worth noting that he accomplished the feat in just his 38th NHL game. That’s an incredible accomplishment for any player, let alone one who was just starting his career.

It’s safe to say that Gretzky’s record as the youngest player to score a double hat trick is unlikely to be broken anytime soon. But with the way young players are making their mark on the league in recent years, anything is possible.

Double Hat Trick Vs. Triple Hat Trick

A double hat trick occurs when a player scores six goals in a single game, while a triple hat trick occurs when a player scores nine goals in a single game. Both are rare occurrences in the NHL, but a triple hat trick is even rarer, with only one instance of it occurring in the history of the league.

The difference between the two is clear, with a triple hat trick being a more impressive feat than a double hat trick. However, both require an extraordinary performance and highlight the skill and talent of the player.

It’s worth noting that a triple hat trick is not officially recognized as a stat by the NHL, as they only record up to three goals per player per game. However, the achievement is still recognized and celebrated by fans and the hockey community.

What is the Difference Between a Double Hat Trick and a Hat Trick?

Hat trick refers to scoring three goals in a single game. It is a significant achievement for any player in the game of hockey. The term originated in cricket, where a bowler who took three wickets in a row received a new hat from his club. In hockey, a player who scores three goals in a game is said to have scored a hat trick and may keep the puck as a memento.

A double hat trick, on the other hand, is a rare feat that involves scoring six goals in a game. It is also called a six-pack. It is a more challenging accomplishment and has only been achieved a few times in NHL history.

The key difference between the two is the number of goals scored in a single game. A hat trick involves three goals, while a double hat trick involves six goals. Both are remarkable achievements, but a double hat trick is a much rarer feat that requires an exceptional performance from a player.

What is a Triple Hat Trick in Hockey?

A triple hat trick, also known as a sextuple or six-goal game, is a feat in ice hockey where a player scores six goals in a single game. This is an extremely rare accomplishment, with only a few players in the history of the NHL achieving it.

Similar to a double hat trick, the term “hat trick” is a reference to the tradition of fans throwing their hats onto the ice to celebrate a player’s achievement of scoring three goals in a game. In a triple hat trick, fans would have to throw their hats onto the ice three times in a single game!

Some notable players who have achieved a triple hat trick include Darryl Sittler, who scored six goals and added four assists for a total of ten points in a game in 1976, and Wayne Gretzky, who accomplished the feat in 1983 with eight points in total (six goals and two assists).

While a triple hat trick is certainly an impressive accomplishment, it is even rarer than a double hat trick, and only a handful of players in NHL history have managed to score six goals in a single game.

Has Anyone Ever Scored a Quadruple Hat Trick in Hockey?

A quadruple hat trick, also known as a “double hat trick,” is an extremely rare feat in hockey, where a player scores eight goals in a single game. As of 2021, no player in NHL history has ever scored a quadruple hat trick in a regular season or playoff game.

While several players have come close to achieving the feat, including Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, and Maurice Richard, none have been able to score more than seven goals in a single game.

Scoring a hat trick, triple hat trick, or even a quadruple hat trick requires an incredible amount of skill, talent, and a little bit of luck. It’s a testament to the player’s ability to create scoring opportunities, capitalize on them, and dominate the game from start to finish.

Although no player has achieved a quadruple hat trick in NHL history, the possibility remains that someone could accomplish the feat in the future. With the level of skill and talent in today’s game, it’s only a matter of time before someone scores eight goals in a single game and cements their place in hockey history.

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