Hockey Superstitions: The Weirdest Rituals from the Ice

6 January 2025

Hockey is a sport of speed, skill, and sheer physicality. But if you've ever spent any time around hockey players, you know there's more to the game than what meets the eye. Beneath the helmets and pads, many players carry with them strange, quirky, and downright bizarre superstitions that they swear by. These rituals range from pre-game habits to in-game quirks and post-game oddities. Some might make you scratch your head, while others might have you chuckling out loud. But in the world of hockey, superstitions are no joke. After all, when you’re facing off against a puck traveling at over 100 miles per hour, every little bit of luck helps, right?

In this article, we're diving deep into the world of hockey superstitions – the weirdest, most fascinating rituals from the ice. Whether you're a hockey fan or simply curious, you're in for a wild ride!

The Nature of Hockey Superstitions

Before we get into the specific rituals, let's acknowledge something: hockey players, like many athletes, are creatures of habit. They live and breathe routine, and anything that disrupts their rhythm can throw them off their game. It makes sense, right? When your job is as unpredictable and high-stakes as professional sports, having a few reliable habits can create a sense of control.

Superstitions in sports aren't new. In fact, they date back centuries. But hockey players? Well, they take it to a whole new level. It’s not uncommon for players to wear the same pair of socks for an entire season (without washing them, mind you), eat the same meal before every game, or even follow a strict locker room sequence before stepping onto the ice.

But why do players put so much stock in these rituals? Simple: they believe these habits give them an edge. Whether it’s mental toughness or some form of cosmic hockey luck, these rituals become as essential as their stick-tape or skates.

So, without further ado, let’s lace up our skates and break down some of the weirdest hockey superstitions out there.

1. The Infamous Playoff Beard

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

We can't talk about hockey superstitions without mentioning the famous playoff beard. This tradition is rooted in one simple rule: once the playoffs start, players stop shaving. The beard becomes a sign of solidarity, grit, and focus. But is it really just about facial hair? Well, for many, the beard is believed to bring luck.

Players and fans alike believe that shaving during the playoffs will somehow jinx the team. The longer the beard, the deeper the team has gone into the playoffs. It’s become such a staple that even fans participate, growing out their beards in hopes of helping their team go all the way to the Stanley Cup.

Where Did It Come From?

The playoff beard tradition is said to have started with the New York Islanders in the 1980s. They won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980-1983, and the team’s refusal to shave during the playoffs became legend. Since then, it’s been adopted by nearly every team and player in the league.

2. The Pre-Game Meal Ritual

Chicken and Pasta, Anyone?

If you ask most hockey players what they eat before a game, the answer will likely be the same: chicken and pasta. This combination is believed to provide the perfect balance of protein and carbs, giving players the energy they need to perform at their peak.

But for many players, this pre-game meal goes beyond just nutrition. It’s a ritual. They’ll eat the same meal, at the same time, and sometimes even from the same restaurant before every game. Some players are so superstitious about it that they’ll refuse to eat anything else on game day.

The Odd Variations

While chicken and pasta are the go-to for most, some players have their own unique pre-game food rituals. For example, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky reportedly ate four hot dogs with mustard before every game. Other players prefer a specific brand of energy bar or drink. Whatever it is, the key is consistency – and, apparently, a little bit of luck.

3. Skate Lacing Rituals

Lacing Up Just Right

For many players, how they lace up their skates is a ritual in itself. Some players have to lace their skates in a specific order – always starting with the left skate, for example. Others believe in tying their laces to a certain tightness or wrapping them a specific number of times.

The Importance of Symmetry

Symmetry seems to play a big role in skate lacing rituals. Some players insist that both skates must feel exactly the same, down to the last lace. If one skate feels even slightly different than the other, it can throw off their entire game. It’s as if their performance is directly tied to how perfectly balanced their skates feel. Who knew that something as simple as tying your shoes could have such an impact?

4. The "No Touching the Trophy" Rule

Superstition or Respect?

Here’s a superstition that’s deeply ingrained in hockey culture: if you win your conference championship, do not touch the trophy. In the NHL, there are two conference trophies: the Prince of Wales Trophy for the Eastern Conference and the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl for the Western Conference. But no matter how hard a team works to win their conference, many players believe that touching the trophy will jinx their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

A Tradition Passed Down

This superstition has been passed down through generations of hockey players. Some players believe that touching the conference trophy shows a lack of focus on the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup. Others believe it’s simply bad luck. While some captains have dared to touch the trophy and still won the Cup, most players don’t want to take that risk.

5. The Superstitious Goalie

The Quirkiest of Them All

Goalies are a special breed in the hockey world. Known for their eccentric personalities, it’s no surprise that they have some of the weirdest superstitions in the game. Many goalies have elaborate pre-game rituals that can take hours to complete. These rituals can include everything from how they put on their gear to specific stretches or warm-up exercises.

Patrick Roy’s Famous Rituals

One of the most famous superstitious goalies is Patrick Roy, widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game. Roy was known for an unusual ritual where he would talk to his goalposts during games, thanking them for saving shots. He also had a strict routine for stepping onto the ice – always leading with his left foot, then making a specific series of movements before settling into the crease.

6. The Lucky Gear

Never Wash the Socks!

When it comes to hockey gear, some players believe that certain items bring them luck. This might be a particular stick, a pair of gloves, or even an old, tattered pair of socks. In fact, many players are so superstitious about their gear that they refuse to wash it during a winning streak – no matter how bad it smells!

A Smelly Tradition

The idea behind this superstition is simple: if something is working, don’t change it. If a player has a great game while wearing a particular piece of gear, they’ll continue to wear it in hopes of repeating that success. This has led to some pretty smelly locker rooms, but hey, anything for the win, right?

7. The Puck-Touching Ritual

Just the Right Amount of Touches

Before each game, many players have specific rituals when it comes to handling the puck. Some like to tap it with their stick a certain number of times, while others might bounce it off the ice in a precise pattern. The idea is to get a "feel" for the puck before the game starts, but for many, it’s more about sticking to their routine.

A Psychological Edge

These puck-handling rituals help players get into the right mindset before the puck drops. It’s a way to calm nerves and mentally prepare for the game ahead. For some players, if they don’t get their pre-game touches in, it can throw off their entire performance.

8. The Post-Game Handshake

A Time-Honored Tradition

One of the most unique traditions in hockey is the post-game handshake. After a hard-fought battle, players from both teams line up and shake hands, no matter how intense the game was. But there’s a superstition tied to this as well: some players believe that who they shake hands with first can impact future games.

A Gesture of Respect

While this ritual may seem simple, it’s a longstanding tradition that represents mutual respect. However, the superstition lies in the belief that shaking hands with certain players first or last could affect the team’s luck in the next game.

Conclusion: The Magic of Superstitions

Hockey superstitions are more than just quirky habits; they’re an integral part of the sport’s culture. These rituals, whether rooted in tradition, routine, or personal belief, help players stay focused and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

While some of these superstitions may seem strange to the outside world, they hold deep meaning to the players who follow them. After all, in a game as fast-paced and unpredictable as hockey, sometimes you need all the help you can get – even if it comes from an unwashed pair of socks or a carefully grown playoff beard.

So, the next time you watch a hockey game, keep an eye out for these superstitions in action. Who knows? Maybe they really do bring a little extra magic to the ice.