Showering the Ice with Squishy Souvenirs: The Weird and Wonderful World of Panthers' Fans and their Fake Rats
Florida Panthers fans are a passionate bunch. They bleed sunshine state teal, and their cheers echo through the arena like a chorus of excited snowbirds. But there's one thing that truly sets them apart: their, well, unique way of celebrating victories. We're not talking about ear-splitting chants or synchronized scarf waves. No, Panthers fans have a more...projectile-based approach.
The Rise of the Rodent Rain: How a Hat Trick Hatched a Rat Trick
The year is 1996. The Panthers are on a tear, clawing their way through the playoffs. Enter Scott Mellanby, a hockey hero with a knack for slaying not just opponents, but creepy crawlies too. Legend has it that before a crucial game, Mellanby dispatched a pesky rat in the locker room with his trusty hockey stick. Talk about channeling your inner exterminator!
That same game, Mellanby went on to score a dazzling two goals – a feat hockey fans call a "hat trick." But here's where things get weird (and wonderful). Inspired by Mellanby's moxie, fans started chucking inflatable rats onto the ice in celebration. Thus, the "rat trick" was born, a bizarre yet oddly endearing tradition that has become synonymous with Panthers' victories.
From DIY to Official Merchandise: The Reign of the Rubber Rat
The NHL, bless their rule-loving hearts, wasn't exactly thrilled with the whole airborne rodent situation. But the sheer enthusiasm of the fans, coupled with the team's impressive performance that season, won them over. The league made a special exception, allowing the rat showers to continue – but only after wins, not during play (safety first, folks!).
The Panthers, recognizing a marketing goldmine, started selling official team rats. Suddenly, the arena transformed into a sea of inflatable vermin raining down after every victory. Even Orkin, the pest control company, got in on the action, sending guys in full extermination gear to collect the fallen rats after games.
So You Want to Rain Rubber with the Panthers? A Brief Guide for the Aspiring Rat Flinger
Thinking about joining the Panthers' rat flinging faithful? Here's a crash course:
- Gear Up: Grab yourself an official Panthers' rat. Don't be tempted by those off-brand dollar store knock-offs – they just won't have the same celebratory oomph.
- Wait for the Right Moment: Hold onto your squishy friend until the final buzzer. Unleashing a rogue rat during play is a major foul (and a safety hazard).
- Aim High, But Not Too High: You want your rat to rain down in joyous celebration, not become a projectile weapon. Respect your fellow fans in the lower seats!
- Celebrate Responsibly: Remember, these are inflatable rats, not live ones. There's no need to go full-on Sweeney Todd after a win.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling extra creative, you can personalize your rat with motivational messages or even Panthers' player names.
Frequently Asked Rat-lated Questions:
How to get a Panthers' rat? - These squishy friends are usually sold at the arena or online through the Panthers' official store.
Can I bring my own non-official rat? - It's best to stick with the official merch. The team (and the NHL) prefer things to stay uniform, and you don't want your rogue rat to get confiscated.
What happens to the rats after the game? - The arena staff collects them and they're (hopefully) recycled.
Is throwing rats distracting to the opposing team? - Maybe a little. But hey, a little psychological warfare is all part of the game, right?
Do other teams have weird throwing traditions? - Absolutely! From octopus showers in Detroit to catfish flurries in Nashville, hockey fans have a way of getting creative with their celebrations (and sometimes superstitions).
