The tradition of throwing rats on the ice in hockey games originated in the NHL, specifically with the Florida Panthers team. Here are five supporting facts to explain why people throw rats on the ice in hockey:
1. The 1995-96 Season: The tradition started during the 1995-96 NHL season when the Florida Panthers made a remarkable playoff run, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. Playoffs are known for their intense and fervent atmosphere, which often gives rise to unique traditions.
2. The Rat Trick: Scott Mellanby, a player for the Panthers, scored two goals in one game during that season, using a rat as his weapon. After smacking a rat in the locker room with his stick before the game, he proceeded to score two goals on the ice. This incident led to the term “rat trick” and became an inspiration for the rat-throwing tradition.
3. Fan Involvement: As the Panthers’ playoff run continued, fans started to bring toy rats to the games as their way of showing support for the team. The fans’ enthusiasm turned into throwing the rats onto the ice after every Panthers’ goal. It became a symbol of celebration and fan engagement.
4. Rats as a Symbol: The rat became a symbol of resilience and determination, reflecting the Panthers’ underdog status and their ability to overcome obstacles. The fans throwing rats onto the ice was their way of showing solidarity with the team’s fighting spirit.
5. Implementation of Rules: Due to the increasing number of rats being thrown onto the ice, the NHL had to implement specific rules around this tradition. The league eventually allowed the throwing of rats to occur only after a Panthers’ victory and at the end of the game, ensuring the game flow was not disrupted.
FAQs:
1. Is throwing rats on the ice exclusive to the Florida Panthers?
No, the tradition started with the Florida Panthers, but fans of other teams have adopted similar traditions with their own unique objects, such as octopuses for the Detroit Red Wings.
2. Did the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup in the 1995-96 season?
No, although they reached the Stanley Cup Finals, they were ultimately defeated by the Colorado Avalanche.
3. Why did Mellanby choose a rat to smack in the locker room?
Mellanby saw the rat as a nuisance and wanted to get rid of it before the game. Little did he know it would become a significant part of Panthers’ lore.
4. Are live rats thrown on the ice during games?
No, all rats thrown onto the ice are toy rats. The tradition does not involve harming or using real animals.
5. Have other teams or leagues tried to emulate the tradition?
Some teams or leagues have discouraged or banned fans from throwing objects onto the ice due to safety concerns, but the rat-throwing tradition remains unique to the Florida Panthers.
6. How did the players react to the rat-throwing tradition?
The players embraced the tradition and saw it as a source of inspiration. They appreciated the fans’ support and the symbolism behind the tradition.
7. Has the tradition of throwing rats on the ice continued to this day?
The tradition is still ongoing, although it may have diminished over time. The Panthers’ fans occasionally bring out toy rats to celebrate victories, keeping the tradition alive.
BOTTOM LINE:
The tradition of throwing rats on the ice in hockey games originated in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. It began during the 1995-96 season and symbolized the team’s resilience and determination. Fans started throwing rats onto the ice as a way to show support and celebrate goals. While the tradition is unique to the Panthers, similar traditions have emerged with other teams and objects. The NHL had to implement rules to control the practice, allowing it only after a Panthers’ victory and at the end of the game. The tradition remains a memorable part of Panthers’ history and demonstrates the passionate and creative nature of hockey fans.
