Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Are you wondering why Florida Panthers fans are throwing rats onto the ice? We’re here to help.
Every sports team has their own traditions. Many times, traditions take the form of a victory song, like the Colorado Avalanche with “All the Small Things” and the Philadelphia Phillies with “Dancing on My Own“.
The Florida Panthers, however, have rats as their victory tradition.
No, not real rats! Thankfully, these ones are of the plastic variety and are often seen thrown onto the ice after a Panthers’ win. So, how did the Panthers’ tradition of throwing rats onto the ice begin? Let’s dig in!
Apple AirPods Pro are on sale for under $200
How did the Panthers' rat throwing tradition come to be?
Ahead of the Panthers’ home opener in 1995, a rat entered Florida’s dressing room. Scott Mellanby killed the rat by hitting it with his stick, then proceeded to score two goals with the same one used to exterminate the pest. And thus, the “rat trick” was born!
Rally Towels are back at FLA Live Arena for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final.
“Bring on the rats,” the Florida Panthers say. pic.twitter.com/MqwKanTGq0
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) May 24, 2023
Ever since, Panthers fans have adopted the rats as a tradition all their own by tossing plastic facsimiles onto the ice.
Why do Panthers fans throw rats on the ice now?
To celebrate, of course! Fans are given plastic rats to throw onto the ice after a victory, which there have been plenty of in these playoffs.
The rats hit the ice! THE FLORIDA PANTHERS WIN GAME 3! Cats take a 3-0 series lead in the ECF.
Your Florida panthers are ONE win away from a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals. THIS TEAM. pic.twitter.com/RhiWfBlJO2
— Katie Engleson (@KatieEngleson) May 23, 2023
Previously, during the Panthers’ 1996 Stanley Cup Final run, fans would toss rats after every goal, resulting in thousands of the plastic toys hitting the ice at a time. The NHL eventually created a rule to stop fans from tossing rats after every goal, so Panthers fans now celebrate wins with plastic rodents descending from the rafters.
