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Home»World»Why Do Fans Throw Rats During a Florida Panthers Game?
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Why Do Fans Throw Rats During a Florida Panthers Game?

The Strange History of Florida Panthers and Their Mascot, a Rat
Aaheli PradhanBy Aaheli PradhanMay 8, 2023Updated:November 4, 2023No Comments4 Mins Read1,725 Views
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Who Do Fans Throw Rats During a Florida Panthers Game
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Florida Panthers fans probably have the most bizarre tradition in ice hockey history. Instead of getting greeted with confetti or gifts, the Florida Panthers get caught in a shower of plastic rats.

You might think that maybe the audience hates the team or itโ€™s to discourage them, but no, these rodents are actually how fans express their support. Bizarre as it may be, the team has also accepted it.

At least the plastic rats are a huge update from the real rodents that used to infest Florida Panthersโ€™ games. The 1995-96 season was the wildest season for the Panthers, as the staff had to spend more time cleaning up rogue rats than anything else.

However, the rats have now become symbolic of the team and are considered a lucky charm by many. So, how did this peculiar tradition originate, and how did it stick? Letโ€™s delve into the history of the Panthers and their rats.

The History of Rats and Florida Panthers

During the 1995-96 season, the Panthers had a game against the Calgary Flames. On October 8, 1995, the Panthers discovered a rat in their locker just before the game. Scott Mellanby, who was the then-captain of the team, smashed the rodent with a stick.

Later in the game, Mellanby scored two goals, leading to a 4:3 victory against the Flames. It was the first win of the season for the Panthers. As the news of the rat in the locker got out, fans started thinking of it as a lucky charm.

During the next game, a fan threw a plastic rat onto the ice after Panthers scored a goal. The rats kept increasing as the team kept winning, slowly becoming a trend.

The 1996 Florida Panthers.

Year of the Rat. pic.twitter.com/RyX3QlfAxv

— Fast Max (@NBAFastNews) December 14, 2021

Why are Rats Thrown at Florida Panthers Games?

Why are Rats Thrown at Florida Panthers Games

Ever since the Florida Panthers encountered a rat in their locker room in 1995 and then won in the following game, fans have considered rats a lucky token for the team. After the first win against Calgary Flames, plastic rats were thrown on the ice after every goal.

Soon, this became a nuisance as cleaners and an exterminator company had to be called just to resume the game again. In that particular season, the Panthers got third place in the regular season in the Atlantic Division and even qualified for playoffs for the first time.

Because of this craze, NHL had to revise its rules to prevent this from happening again. As per the rule, if fans threw debris on the rink despite being warned, it could lead to the home team receiving a delay of game penalty. After this, rats were thrown on the rink only after the game was over and not during it.

The Florida Panthers take a 3-0 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Release the rats!! pic.twitter.com/SsKvJtdSL6

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) May 8, 2023

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What is a Rat-Trick?

A โ€˜Rat-Trickโ€™ was a term coined by John Vanbiesbrouck, the goalie of the Florida Panthers, during the 1995-96 season. After Captain Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room before the games and scored two goals later, John commented, โ€œHe scored a rat trick.โ€ since he couldnโ€™t score a hat trick.

The Rat-Trick craze also refers to the tradition followed by Panthersโ€™ fans. When the team wins a game, the audience throws plastic rats on the rink as a time-honored tradition.

Just discovered that the Florida Panthers mascot is a rat and im confused lmao. pic.twitter.com/6MDwjJcqoa

— Alejandro ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด (@MiamiAlejandro) August 9, 2021

This might be an outlandish tradition for you and me, but the Panthers and their fans have welcomed it. It might puzzle new fans and those who watch a Panthers game for the first time, but thatโ€™s what adds to the madness and fun!

So, what do you think of this weird yet hilarious custom? Have you ever been to a Panthers game and been absolutely terrified of the infestation? Tell us more about your experience or views in the comments below.

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Aaheli Pradhan Author at Averagebeing.com
Aaheli Pradhan
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Aaheli Pradhan is a force to be reckoned with - a feisty grandma who lives life on her own terms. With a deep love for BL manga and a firm belief that Maggi is the national dish, she proudly embraces her inner weeb. Beyond her love for all things anime and pop culture, Aaheli is a multi-talented individual with a never-ending list of hobbies. From knitting to drawing, her creative pursuits know no bounds. But beware - her revenge of choice is spoiling every series you watch, so don't dare cross her! As an author, Aaheli brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing her stories with her passion for all things geeky. Her ability to blend humor, heart, and a touch of quirkiness makes her a standout in the literary world. With her sharp wit and creative prowess, Aaheli is a rising star who is not to be underestimated.

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