Answer: The hockey team that throws octopus on the ice is the Detroit Red Wings.
Supporting Facts:
1. Traditionally, Detroit Red Wings fans throw octopuses onto the ice during home playoff games.
2. The tradition started in 1952 when two Detroit brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano, threw an octopus onto the ice for good luck during a Red Wings playoff game.
3. The eight arms of the octopus symbolize the eight wins needed to secure the Stanley Cup at the time.
4. The Red Wings’ tradition of throwing octopuses has become an iconic and unique symbol in the world of hockey.
5. The tradition continues to this day, and whenever a fan throws an octopus on the ice, it energizes the crowd and creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
FAQs:
1. Why do Detroit Red Wings fans throw octopuses on the ice?
– Fans throw octopuses on the ice to bring good luck to the team during playoff games.
2. How did the tradition of throwing octopuses start?
– The tradition started in 1952 when two brothers threw an octopus onto the ice during a Red Wings playoff game, symbolizing the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time.
3. Are there any rules or restrictions regarding throwing octopuses?
– While the tradition is cherished, there have been efforts to discourage or regulate octopus throwing due to potential safety concerns and delays in the game.
4. How do fans sneak octopuses into the arena?
– Fans have been known to hide octopuses in their clothing, coolers, or even vacuum-sealed bags to avoid detection during security checks.
5. Are there any penalties for throwing octopuses on the ice?
– In recent years, the NHL has implemented fines and bans for individuals caught throwing octopuses on the ice, particularly to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the game.
6. Do other hockey teams have similar traditions?
– While Detroit Red Wings fans are known for throwing octopuses, other teams and their fans have unique traditions too, such as the Calgary Flames’ “C of Red” or the Winnipeg Jets’ “Whiteout.”
7. Has the octopus tradition with the Detroit Red Wings influenced other sports?
– The octopus tradition has inspired similar traditions in other sports as well, such as the tossing of rubber rats in the NHL by Florida Panthers fans.
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Red Wings are the hockey team known for their tradition of throwing octopuses onto the ice during home playoff games. This unique practice has become a symbol of good luck and a source of excitement for fans and players alike. Despite efforts to regulate it, the octopus tradition in Detroit remains an integral part of the team’s identity and a beloved aspect of hockey culture.
