Throwing catfish at hockey games has become a unique tradition in Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s why:
The origins of throwing catfish at hockey games trace back to 2003 when Nashville hosted a playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings. Two Nashville fans, inspired by a tradition in Detroit where fans threw octopuses on the ice, decided to bring a catfish to the game.
1. Why did they choose a catfish?
The catfish is a symbol strongly associated with Nashville’s fishing industry and is often seen as a representation of good luck.
2. How did they manage to bring a catfish into the arena?
The fans hid the catfish inside a cooler and strapped it to their bodies, successfully evading security checks.
3. What happened when they threw the catfish on the ice?
The crowd went wild, and it caught the attention of both the players and the team’s management. The tradition of throwing catfish on the ice was born.
4. Do players or the team management support this tradition?
Initially, the team management was unsure how to react, but they eventually embraced the tradition. Even the players have been seen skating around the catfish during warm-ups.
5. Are there any rules or regulations against throwing catfish?
Most arenas have strict policies against throwing anything on the ice, including catfish. However, in Nashville, the team management has been granted exceptions for this unique tradition.
6. How common is this tradition in Nashville now?
Since its inception, throwing catfish at hockey games has become a beloved tradition in Nashville, with fans both young and old participating in it.
7. What’s the significance of throwing catfish at a hockey game?
Besides adding an element of excitement and an opportunity for fans to showcase their team allegiance, the tradition has become a symbol of Nashville’s passionate fanbase, known as the “Preds Nation.”
BOTTOM LINE: Throwing catfish at hockey games in Nashville is a unique tradition that began in 2003 and has since become an integral part of the city’s hockey culture. It symbolizes good luck, displays fan loyalty, and highlights the city’s fishing heritage. While other arenas may have strict regulations against throwing objects, Nashville’s management has embraced this tradition, bringing joy and excitement to both fans and players alike.
