Every year, during the Stanley Cup playoffs, hockey fans across North America gather to watch their favorite teams compete for the most prestigious trophy in the sport. While the games themselves are exciting, there’s one tradition that has become almost as famous as the Cup itself: the octopus toss.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, fans of the Detroit Red Wings have been throwing octopuses onto the ice during playoff games since 195What started as a quirky stunt has since become an iconic part of hockey culture, with other teams and fans adopting the practice.
But why do people throw octopuses at hockey games in the first place? The answer is more fascinating than you might expect. In this article, we’ll explore the history behind the tradition, the reasons why the octopus was chosen as the creature of choice, and the controversy that has surrounded the practice over the years.
If you’re a hockey fan or just curious about this bizarre tradition, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about why people throw octopuses at hockey games!
Table of Contents
The History Behind the Octopus Tossing Tradition
Throwing an octopus onto the ice during a hockey game may seem like a bizarre tradition, but it has a fascinating history. The origins of this ritual date back to 1952, when two Detroit Red Wings fans threw an octopus onto the ice at a playoff game. The team needed eight wins to secure the Stanley Cup, and the eight tentacles of the octopus symbolized each victory. The Red Wings went on to win the championship that year, and the octopus tossing tradition was born.
While the origins of the octopus tossing are firmly rooted in Detroit, it has spread to other cities and teams. The act has become a popular symbol of good luck and team spirit, and many fans believe that it can give their team an extra boost during important games.
However, not everyone is a fan of this unusual tradition. The NHL has attempted to crack down on the practice in the past, citing safety concerns and the potential damage to the ice surface. Despite these efforts, octopus tossing continues to be a beloved tradition among hockey fans.
The octopus tossing tradition has even become part of the fabric of Detroit itself. In 2019, the city unveiled a sculpture outside of Little Caesars Arena that depicts an octopus in mid-air, as if it’s being thrown onto the ice. The sculpture serves as a testament to the enduring popularity and importance of this quirky tradition.
The Origin of the Octopus Tossing
The origins of the octopus tossing tradition can be traced back to the 1952 Stanley Cup playoffs. Detroit brothers Pete and Jerry Cusimano, who owned a fish market, were huge Red Wings fans. They believed that each of the eight tentacles of an octopus represented a win and decided to throw an octopus onto the ice during a playoff game. The Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, and the tradition was born.
The octopus toss quickly became a Detroit institution, with fans throwing octopuses onto the ice during big games. The tradition has since spread to other NHL teams and has become a beloved part of hockey culture.
The Cusimano brothers’ original octopus toss was inspired by a similar tradition in Italy, where fans would throw eels onto the ice during games. The octopus toss has also been compared to the Medieval practice of throwing animal carcasses onto the field before a jousting tournament for good luck.
Over the years, the octopus toss has become more than just a tradition – it’s a symbol of Detroit pride. In 1995, the Michigan Senate even passed a resolution honoring the octopus toss as a “truly unique and unquestionably bizarre” tradition.
The First Time the Tradition Occurred
The first time the octopus tossing tradition occurred was during the 1952 Stanley Cup playoffs, when two Detroit Red Wings fans threw an octopus onto the ice during a game at Olympia Stadium. At the time, the NHL had only six teams, and a team had to win two best-of-seven series in order to win the Stanley Cup.
It was customary to eat octopus before a Red Wings playoff game as a good luck charm because the eight legs of the octopus symbolized the eight wins necessary to win the Cup. These two fans thought it would be a good idea to bring a real octopus to the game.
The octopus weighed about eight pounds and had been purchased from a local fish market. The two fans smuggled it into the stadium under a coat and threw it onto the ice after the national anthem was played.
How the Tradition Has Evolved Over Time
Expansion of the Tradition: The Octopus Tossing tradition, which began as a unique act of two Detroit fans, has now become a well-known and loved ritual in the city’s history.
The Game Changer: The tradition gained national attention in the 1952 playoffs, when two fans threw an octopus onto the ice, and the Detroit Red Wings went on to sweep the playoffs.
The Changing Rules: The NHL tried to curb the tradition’s practice by introducing new rules. The league banned throwing objects on the ice, and officials would eject anyone caught doing so.
Octopus on Tour: The tradition has gone beyond Detroit and has been replicated in other NHL cities, such as Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Chicago.
Innovative Ways to Toss an Octopus: In recent years, fans have found new and creative ways to toss octopuses onto the ice. Some fans use slingshots, while others have taken advantage of the octopus costume for a theatrical entry.
The Growth of the Tradition in Detroit
As the Detroit Red Wings continued to dominate the NHL in the 1950s, the octopus tossing tradition gained popularity among fans. It became a common sight at Red Wings games, and the team even began to incorporate the octopus into its branding. In 1952, the team won the Stanley Cup, and two fans celebrated by throwing a total of eight octopuses onto the ice. The Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1954 as well, and the tradition continued to grow.
Over the years, the tradition has become a staple of Detroit Red Wings games. The team even has an official “Octopus Collector” whose job is to clean up the ice after the tosses. In recent years, the tradition has spread to other teams and even other sports, with fans throwing various objects onto the playing surface to show support for their teams.
The Red Wings moved from Joe Louis Arena to the Little Caesars Arena in 2017, but the octopus tossing tradition lives on. The team has even installed a “Octo-Bench” in the arena where fans can sit and take pictures with a replica octopus.
The Spread of the Tradition to Other Cities
Although the octopus tossing tradition has become synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings, it has spread to other hockey cities across North America. In recent years, fans in cities such as Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Chicago have also taken up the tradition, albeit with their own unique twists.
In Pittsburgh, fans have been known to throw inflatable penguins onto the ice, while in Nashville, catfish have been the chosen creature to toss. Chicago fans have also taken part in the tradition, throwing replica Stanley Cups onto the ice.
The tradition has also spread to non-hockey events. In Seattle, fans of the Seattle Sounders soccer team have been known to throw octopuses onto the field during games. The tradition has even spread to Australia, where fans of the Australian Football League have been known to throw rubber chickens onto the field during games.
Despite the tradition spreading to other cities and sports, it remains most closely associated with the Detroit Red Wings and their passionate fans. It’s a testament to the team’s rich history and the enduring power of a quirky tradition that started more than six decades ago.
The Modern-Day Octopus Tossing
As the tradition of tossing octopuses continues, there have been some changes in the way it is carried out today. Here are some of the ways in which octopus tossing has evolved:
- Increased regulations: Due to concerns over animal cruelty, many arenas have established rules against throwing live animals onto the ice. Fans must now bring in dead octopuses to throw.
- More creative tosses: Fans have become more inventive in the way they toss octopuses, with some using slingshots or even building octopus cannons.
- Octopus-related merchandise: As the tradition has grown, so has the demand for octopus-related merchandise. Many arenas now sell foam octopuses for fans to throw onto the ice.
- Social media influence: The power of social media has helped spread the tradition beyond just hockey fans. People from around the world have taken notice of the octopus toss and have even started their own versions in other sports and events.
- The NHL’s official recognition: In 2019, the NHL officially recognized the octopus toss as a part of Detroit Red Wings’ history and allowed fans to throw octopuses during pregame ceremonies.
Despite these changes, the octopus toss remains a beloved and unique tradition in the world of sports. It serves as a reminder of the passion and creativity of fans, and the power of a shared experience to bring people together. As the tradition continues to evolve, it is certain that the octopus will remain an important part of hockey culture for years to come.
Reasons Why the Octopus is the Chosen Creature
Symbolism: The eight tentacles of an octopus are said to represent the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup. It’s also a nod to the “Dead Wings” era of the Detroit Red Wings, where they had to win eight games to win the Cup.
Local Catch: Detroit is known for its proximity to the Great Lakes and the abundance of fresh seafood available. The octopus, in particular, is a local delicacy and can be found in many Detroit-area restaurants.
Size and Sliminess: The octopus is the perfect size and texture for throwing onto the ice. It’s big enough to be seen from a distance but small enough to be easily thrown. The slimy texture adds to the fun and excitement of the tradition.
The Octopus as a Symbol of Eight Straight Wins
One of the reasons why the octopus became the chosen creature for the Detroit Red Wings’ tradition is its symbolic association with eight straight wins. Eight is significant because it represents the number of victories needed to win the Stanley Cup.
According to legend, the tradition started in 1952 when two Detroit brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano, threw an octopus onto the ice during a Red Wings playoff game. At the time, there were only six teams in the league, and a team needed to win eight playoff games to become champions.
The octopus, with its eight legs, quickly became a symbol of the eight straight wins required to win the Stanley Cup. It also became a good luck charm for the team, and fans began to embrace the tradition, which has continued to this day.
The Myth of the Octopus and Detroit’s Fishing Industry
The octopus has long been a significant creature in Detroit, not only for its association with the Red Wings but also because of its importance in the city’s fishing industry. According to local lore, a giant octopus once haunted the Detroit River, wreaking havoc on the fishermen’s catches and causing widespread fear among the populace.
As the story goes, a group of brave fishermen eventually captured the octopus, and it became a symbol of their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Over time, the story of the octopus grew, and it became a beloved symbol of the city’s identity and its connection to the river that had sustained its people for generations.
While the legend of the octopus may be just that, a legend, its enduring significance in Detroit’s culture and history cannot be denied. From the early days of the fishing industry to the present day octopus toss at Red Wings games, the octopus has played an important role in the city’s identity and will continue to do so for generations to come.
The Relationship Between Octopuses and Hockey
While the tradition of octopus tossing at Detroit Red Wings games may seem strange to outsiders, it has a deep-rooted connection to the sport of hockey. In fact, the tradition originated during the team’s Stanley Cup playoff run in 1952, when two Detroit brothers threw an octopus onto the ice as a symbol of the eight wins needed to win the cup.
The octopus soon became a good luck charm for the team, and fans began to toss octopuses onto the ice during playoff games. The tradition has continued to this day, with the team even holding an annual Octopus Toss on the ice before the start of the playoffs.
But what is the connection between octopuses and hockey? Some speculate that the eight arms of the octopus represent the eight players on the ice for each team, while others believe that the slimy and slippery nature of the octopus symbolizes the elusive and unpredictable nature of the game.
The Role of the Detroit Red Wings in Popularizing the Tradition
The Detroit Red Wings have played a significant role in popularizing the tradition of octopus tossing. It is said that two Detroit brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano, were the first to toss an octopus onto the ice during a Red Wings game in 1952, as a symbol of the eight wins needed to secure the Stanley Cup. The team embraced the tradition and it quickly became a beloved part of Red Wings culture.
Over the years, the Red Wings have encouraged and supported the octopus tossing tradition, often featuring it in promotional materials and even providing an official octopus handler to help fans toss their eight-legged sea creatures onto the ice. The team has also held pre-game ceremonies to honor the octopus, further cementing its place in Red Wings lore.
The tradition has become so synonymous with the Red Wings that it is now a common sight at games played by the team, both at home and on the road. Fans of opposing teams often bring octopuses to games against the Red Wings, in an attempt to taunt the home team or to participate in the tradition themselves.
The Red Wings’ success on the ice has undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of octopus tossing, as the team has won numerous Stanley Cups over the years. Each time the team secures a championship, fans rush to toss octopuses onto the ice in celebration, further cementing the tradition’s place in Red Wings history.
Despite attempts by the NHL to curtail the practice of octopus tossing, the Red Wings and their fans have continued to embrace the tradition. In 2011, the league even awarded the Red Wings organization a special plaque to recognize their role in popularizing the tradition.
The First Time the Red Wings Used an Octopus as a Good Luck Charm
In 1952, two Detroit brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano, threw an octopus onto the ice at a Red Wings playoff game to symbolize the eight wins needed to secure the Stanley Cup. The team went on to win that game and the Cup, cementing the octopus as a good luck charm for Red Wings fans. The tradition continued to grow, and soon octopuses became a regular sight at Red Wings games.
The Cusimano brothers’ octopus toss was not a planned event, but rather a spontaneous act of fandom. They had acquired the octopus from their family’s fish market, where they sold seafood to many of the Red Wings players. The octopus seemed like the perfect symbol for the eight-game playoff format, and so the Cusimano brothers decided to give it a try.
Since then, throwing octopuses onto the ice has become a beloved Red Wings tradition, and the Cusimano brothers’ act of fandom is remembered as the birth of this quirky practice. Today, the octopus toss is as much a part of Red Wings lore as the team’s legendary players and coaches.
The Controversy Surrounding the Octopus Tossing
Despite its popularity, the tradition of octopus tossing has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that it is disrespectful to the octopus, an intelligent and fascinating creature. They argue that the practice promotes the idea that animals are objects for human amusement.
Others point out that the practice is illegal, as octopuses are protected under animal cruelty laws. In some cases, fans who have been caught throwing octopuses onto the ice have been charged with misdemeanors and faced fines and even jail time.
However, supporters of the tradition argue that it is a harmless and fun way for fans to show their support for their team. They also note that many of the octopuses used in the tradition are purchased from fish markets and would have been killed and eaten anyway.
The NHL’s Stance on Octopus Tossing
The National Hockey League (NHL) has taken a strict stance on the practice of octopus tossing. The league considers it to be a form of fan misconduct that poses a safety hazard to players, officials, and other fans.
In 1995, the NHL issued a directive banning octopus tossing, stating that anyone caught doing it would be subject to ejection from the arena and possible legal action. The league has also threatened to fine and ban teams whose fans engage in the tradition.
Despite this, octopus tossing has continued to be a popular tradition among Detroit Red Wings fans, who often find creative ways to smuggle the creatures into the arena. The NHL has occasionally turned a blind eye to the practice, but has also been known to crack down on it with increased security measures and harsh penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the octopus tossing tradition?
The octopus tossing tradition began in 1952 during the playoffs when two Detroit brothers threw an octopus onto the ice to symbolize the eight wins required to win the Stanley Cup.
Why do people continue to participate in the tradition?
The tradition has continued because it is seen as a way to bring luck to the home team and has become an integral part of the culture and history of the Detroit Red Wings.
How does the NHL view the tradition?
The NHL has a mixed stance on the tradition. While they do not officially endorse it, they do not prohibit it either, as long as it is done in a safe manner and does not disrupt the game.
Has anyone ever been penalized for throwing an octopus?
Yes, in the past, fans have been ejected from games and even faced legal consequences for tossing octopuses onto the ice, particularly in games outside of Detroit.
How have other teams and fans reacted to the tradition?
Some teams and fans have embraced the tradition and even attempted to create their own versions, while others have viewed it as disrespectful and disruptive to the game.
Does the tradition have any impact on the environment?
While octopuses are often consumed as food, some conservationists have raised concerns about the impact of the tradition on the octopus population and the potential waste of marine life resources.