Giant Rat & Tree Head Dominate: Best Hockey Game Ever!
- – The Florida Panthers are once again embracing the chaos – and the plastic rodents – as they navigate another deep playoff run.
- The “rat trick,” as it became known, originated in October 1995.
- What began as a quirky post-game celebration quickly escalated.
SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers are once again embracing the chaos – and the plastic rodents – as they navigate another deep playoff run. Following a dominant victory, the ice at Amerant Bank Arena was once again littered with rats, a tradition that dates back to the team’s improbable 1995-96 season.
From Locker Room Incident to League-Wide Phenomenon
The “rat trick,” as it became known, originated in October 1995. As the Panthers prepared for their home opener against the Calgary Flames, a rat wandered into the locker room. Scott Mellanby, reacting instinctively, killed the rat with his hockey stick. Remarkably, Mellanby then went on to score two goals in that very game, a 4–3 win over the Flames. Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck playfully dubbed it a “rat trick,” a twist on the more common “hat trick,” and a legend was born.
What began as a quirky post-game celebration quickly escalated. Fans began tossing plastic rats onto the ice after every Panthers goal. By the time the Panthers reached the 1996 playoffs, the phenomenon had reached a fever pitch, with thousands of rats raining down after each score. The sheer volume of debris forced the NHL to intervene, implementing a rule that allowed referees to penalize the home team if fans disrupted the game by throwing objects onto the ice.
A Tradition Rekindled
The tradition, though briefly curtailed by the NHL’s rule change, never truly died. It resurfaced periodically, becoming a symbol of Panthers’ fandom and a unique element of the team’s identity. Pam Bloom-Pugliese, a dedicated fan, even took to painting and “beautifying” the plastic rats during the 1996 run, with her creations eventually finding their way into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The rat has since been memorialized in team merchandise, including jewelry, toys, and as Viktor E. Rat, the sidekick to the team’s mascot, Stanley C. Panther.
Marchand Embraces the Rodent Reign
The tradition has found a new, and perhaps unlikely, champion in Brad Marchand. Acquired by the Panthers in March 2025, Marchand, known for his tenacious play and often-antagonistic style – earning him the nickname “The Rat” among opposing fans – has fully embraced the Panthers’ unique celebration. After a recent victory, Marchand reportedly joked that he hoped the rats would be thrown at him, rather than just onto the ice.
And his teammates delivered. Following a 6-1 rout of the Edmonton Oilers on , Panthers players playfully pelted Marchand with the plastic rodents as they exited the ice. Marchand described the experience as a “badge of honour,” highlighting the lighthearted atmosphere within the team as they pursue another championship.
More Than Just a Gimmick
The rat trick is more than just a quirky fan tradition; it represents the Panthers’ underdog spirit and their ability to connect with their fanbase. It’s a reminder of the team’s improbable run to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final and a symbol of the enduring passion of Panthers’ fans. The tradition’s resurgence speaks to the team’s current success and the excitement surrounding their playoff push.
As Marchand noted, the team is having “a ton of fun.” This relaxed and positive environment, fueled by the unique energy of the rat trick, could prove to be a crucial advantage as the Panthers continue their quest for the Stanley Cup. The tradition, born from a chance encounter in a locker room, continues to define a franchise and energize a fanbase.
The Panthers’ current playoff run, with its accompanying deluge of plastic rats, is a testament to the enduring power of a simple, spontaneous celebration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in sports are the ones you least expect – even if they involve a rodent or two.