Octopus On Ice At Hockey Game
As the playoffs approach and the race for the Stanley Cup heats up, fans of the Detroit Red Wings have a unique tradition that they carry out during home playoff games. This tradition is known as the "Octopus on Ice".
Origins of the Tradition
The tradition started in 1952, when two Detroit brothers named Pete and Jerry Cusimano threw an octopus onto the ice during a Red Wings game. The reason behind this gesture was that at the time, there were only six teams in the NHL, and winning the Stanley Cup required eight playoff victories. The eight legs of the octopus represented the eight wins needed to win the cup.
The Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, and the tradition was born. Today, fans continue to carry on this tradition, even though winning the cup now requires 16 playoff wins.
The Practice of Throwing the Octopus
The act of throwing an octopus onto the ice is now a well-known and oft-anticipated spectacle at Red Wings home playoff games. The octopus is typically thrown onto the ice after the national anthem but before the game begins. Fans will often smuggle the octopus into the arena by hiding it in a coat, under a hat, or in a bag.
Once the octopus is thrown onto the ice, the crowd erupts in cheers and the players on the ice will often skate over to take a closer look. The octopus is then removed from the ice by the arena staff, who use a shovel to pick it up and dispose of it.
The Rules and Consequences of Throwing an Octopus
While the tradition is beloved among Red Wings fans, there are rules and consequences for those who choose to participate. The NHL has implemented a rule that prohibits any objects from being thrown onto the ice during a game, and violators can face fines or even arrest.
Fans who are caught attempting to throw an octopus onto the ice can also be ejected from the arena and face a ban from future games. Despite these consequences, however, the spirit of the tradition lives on, and Red Wings fans continue to embrace the practice of throwing the octopus.
Conclusion
The tradition of throwing an octopus onto the ice during a Detroit Red Wings home playoff game is a unique and beloved practice that has been carried out for nearly 70 years. Although it is now illegal and violators can face punishment, fans continue to embrace the tradition as a symbol of good luck and championship aspirations. The octopus on ice is a testament to the passion and dedication of Red Wings fans, and a cherished part of hockey lore.
