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The Florida Panthers' Rat Trick Tradition
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May 3, 2024
Dive into the quirky and spirited tradition of the Florida Panthers known as the 'rat trick,' where fans celebrate by throwing plastic rats onto the ice. This video explores the origin of this unique custom, starting with Scott Mellanby's rat-slaying incident in 1995, its rise during the 1996
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Today, we're exploring the history of the Florida Panthers' rat-trick tradition
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a fan favorite that has made a strong comeback as the team re-enters the playoff scene
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Imagine a hockey tradition so unique that it involves fans throwing plastic rats onto the ice
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Welcome to one of the NHL's most unusual and spirited customs, courtesy of the Florida
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Panthers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the sport, this story combines superstition
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sportsmanship, and community spirit in a way that's as entertaining as it is inspiring
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The peculiar tradition dates back to October 8, 1995, in the old Miami Arena. Before a game
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against the Calgary Flames, Panthers captain Scott Mellenby encountered a rat in the locker room
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With a swift swing of his hockey stick, Mellenby eliminated the rodent and later scored two goals
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that night. His performance led to the goalie John Van Biesbroeck coining the term rat-trick
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a playful twist on the term hat-trick used when a player scores three goals in a game
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The very next game, a fan inspired by Mellenby's feat threw a plastic rat onto the ice. This act
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sparked a chain reaction, and soon throwing rats became a post-goal celebration for Panthers fans
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during the 1996 season. This led to the arena becoming one of the most intimidating in the league
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with opposing goalies often finding themselves dodging the flying faux rodents. As the Panthers
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performance waned, so did the rat throwing. However, in 2012, coinciding with the team's
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resurgence and playoff appearance, the tradition was revived. The new team management embraced this
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quirky custom, even selling plastic rats at games, which rekindled the fan base's enthusiasm
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and brought a sense of nostalgia and unity. The tradition not only boosted team spirit
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but also seemed to rattle opposing teams. Notably, during a playoff series against the New
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Jersey Devils, the rats became a psychological tactic, reportedly unsettling veteran goalie
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Martin Brodeur. The NHL eventually stepped in, requesting a halt to rat sales during games to
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maintain sportsmanship and game integrity. The story of the Florida Panthers and their plastic
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rats is more than just a sports tradition. It's a testament to the power of community
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and the enduring bond between a team and its supporters. As the Panthers continue to carve
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their path in the NHL, the rat trick remains a symbol of their unique identity and the spirited
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culture of their fan base. Whether you're watching from the stands or cheering from home
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the rat trick tradition is a reminder of the joy and unity sports can bring
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Keep those plastic rats flying after the winds, Panthers fans
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