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Pile of hats on ice with text: What Happens to the Hats After a Hat Trick?

What Happens to Hats After a Hat Trick? The Journey of Hockey’s Celebratory Headwear

What Happens To All Those Hats?

When a player scores three goals in a single game, Hockey fans know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of witnessing a hat trick! But the magic doesn’t stop there, nor do some practical questions. What follows after this unique Hockey ritual? We toss our hats onto the ice in a jubilant celebration of the player’s 3 goal achievement. It’s a moment of pure joy, a shared experience that binds fans and players together. Even though we are freezing on the way back to car.

But have you ever wondered what happens to all those hats after the game? Do they vanish into some mysterious hockey void (dumpsters), or do they find a new life beyond the rink?

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a hat trick live at a Flyers game. As a practical mom trying to keep up with the costs of hockey gear, I couldn’t help but hope they’d hand out those hats to fans on the way out. Spoiler alert…they didn’t. But trust me, the story of what happens to those hats is even better than you or I had imagined.

I have uncovered the fascinating journey of those ice-covered hats!

First: The Tradition of the Hat Trick

The Celebratoty Origin

The term “hat trick” didn’t start in hockey. It actually comes from cricket, where players were awarded a hat for taking three wickets in a row. Apparently, this is a rare and impressive feat. Over time, the phrase made its way into hockey, becoming shorthand for when a player scores three goals in a single game. How this wiggled its way into the game of Ice Hockey is still up for discussion.

As for when? The Hat Trick dates way back to the early 20th century. Fans began tossing their hats onto the ice as a way to honor the player. It was a kind of spontaneous, heartfelt tribute to the player and of course, the team overrall. The gesture has become a cherished and widespread hockey ritual.

Fans Become Part of The Celebration and Participation

Imaged your favorite player scores their third goal, the crowd erupts, you are standing hooting and hollering and hats start flying through the air like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party. It’s a moment of pure joy. Now, you and the fans aren’t just spectators anymore; they’re ARE part of the celebration. Each hat represents a personal connection to the game, a small piece of themselves offered up to celebrate a feat that most players dream of achieving. It’s a reminder that hockey isn’t just a sport, as we love to say, it’s a community!

The “Collection Process” of your Hats

On-Ice Cleanup

Once the hats hit the ice, it’s time for the unsung heroes of the game…the arena staff to step on the ice. Armed with their shovels and bins, or brooms. The cleanup crew works quickly to gather the hats so the game can resume. I’ve seen it firsthand how these staff members move with incredible speed to ensure the game can resume without delay, with huge smiles on their face.

Depending on the size of the crowd and/or the significance of the game, fans might throw hundreds of hats. In one NHL game, over 700 hats were collected for a single hat trick! The sheer volume is a testament to how deeply this tradition resonates with us hockey fans.

Behind the Scenes: Seperation and Sorting of the Hats

After the hats are collected, they’re taken off the ice and sorted. Teams often separate new or gently used hats from those that are too worn to be repurposed. While it might sound chaotic, most teams have streamlined the process to make it efficient and effective.

This tradition is more than just a quirky hockey custom, it’s a testament to the bond among the Hockey community.

The Player Gets First Picks for Keepsakes

Some teams collect the hats and present them to the player who achieved the hat trick as a memento. The player might even rummage through the pile to pick out their favorites. For example, the Dallas Stars team has been known to offer any of collected hats to the player who scored the hat trick. It makes sense to give them the option to keep some as souvenirs.

Charitable Donations

Many teams choose to donate the hats to local charities, such as homeless shelters or hospitals. This makes me feel good, as it benefits the community in need.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a tradition of donating the hats to local charities, providing warmth and support to those in need. Other teams donate to children’s hospitals or community organizations. I am sure the kids love to get local NHL teams’ hats to wear!

Public Displays

Some teams create displays in their arenas to showcase hats from various hat tricks. My personal favorite (ahem)…the Philadelphia Flyers have been displaying hats in the concourse of the Wells Fargo Center since the newer building opened in 1996.

I have to look up, because they’ve even added ceiling displays to accommodate the extra hats they collect. Each section is labeled to commemorate the player and the Hat Trick date.

Sanitation and Disposal

For health and safety reasons, some teams choose to just dispose of the hats. Since the hats come from various sources and may not be clean, teams take the perogative like the Calgary Flames, to discard them due to potential hygiene issues.

Come and get ’em! Fan Reclamation: Lost and Found Policies

Several NHL teams have established Lost and Found policies to help fans reclaim their hats post-game.

The Vancouver Canucks collect hats thrown onto the ice and store them at their security office at Gate 9. Fans can retrieve their hats by visiting this location within 30 days. Any unclaimed hats are donated to local charities.

The Ottawa Senators’ guest services team retains the collected hats for about two weeks. Fans can claim their hats by providing a specific description to verify ownership. Unclaimed hats are cleaned and donated to local shelters.

This tends to be the best of both worlds. These policies not only give fans a chance to reclaim their belongings but also contribute positively to the community through charitable donations. If you’ve ever tossed a hat, it’s worth checking your team’s policies, you might just get it back!

Let Us Know Your Experience

The tradition of throwing hats onto the ice after a hat trick is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the passion and camaraderie that define hockey culture. Whether the hats end up as cherished keepsakes, charitable donations, or part of a public display, their journey highlights the unique spirit of the game.

Do you have a story about a hat trick celebration? Maybe you’ve tossed your favorite hat, retrieved it afterward, or even seen it repurposed in a meaningful way. Share your experiences and favorite memories in the comments below! We’d love to hear how this iconic tradition has played a part in your hockey adventures!

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