Things Thrown On Ice At Hockey Games
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and with good reason. It's a fast-paced, physical game that requires a great deal of skill and finesse. Like many sports, hockey has its own unique traditions and rituals. One of these is the practice of throwing objects onto the ice during the game. Fans have been doing this for decades, and it's become a part of the culture of the game. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the things that are thrown on the ice at hockey games.
1. Hats
One of the most common things thrown onto the ice at hockey games is hats. When a player scores three goals in a game, it's called a "hat trick." Fans show their appreciation by throwing their hats onto the ice. This tradition has been around for nearly a century, and it's a sign of respect for the player who achieved the feat.
2. Octopi
This is a strange one, but it's a tradition that's unique to one team: the Detroit Red Wings. The story goes that in 1952, two Detroit brothers threw an octopus onto the ice during the playoffs. The eight legs of the octopus represented the eight wins necessary to win the Stanley Cup. Since then, Red Wings fans have been throwing octopi onto the ice during playoff games. It's become such a popular tradition that the team even has an official mascot called "Al the Octopus."
3. Teddy Bears
This is a newer tradition that started in the early 2000s. Some hockey teams hold "Teddy Bear Toss" games, where fans bring stuffed animals to the game. When the home team scores its first goal, fans throw the stuffed animals onto the ice. The toys are then collected and donated to children's charities. It's a fun way to bring some joy to kids who might be going through a tough time.
4. Beer
Unfortunately, not all of the things thrown onto the ice at hockey games are positive. Some fans get carried away and throw beer or other drinks onto the ice. This is dangerous for the players and can result in penalties or even criminal charges. It's important to remember that as fun as it can be to throw something onto the ice, it's not worth risking someone's safety.
5. Pucks
Last but not least, we have one of the more obvious things that are thrown onto the ice: pucks. Sometimes fans get excited and throw pucks onto the ice after a big play or a goal. While this might seem harmless, it's actually quite dangerous. A puck flying at high speed can seriously injure a player, so fans should never throw pucks onto the ice.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of things that get thrown onto the ice at hockey games. Some of these are positive traditions that show appreciation for the players or help raise money for charity. Others are dangerous and can result in serious consequences. If you're attending a hockey game, it's important to remember that throwing anything onto the ice should be done responsibly and with respect for the players and the sport.
