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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?

Hockey fans know there’s nothing quite like the excitement of witnessing a hat trick—when a player scores three goals in a single game. But the magic doesn’t end there. A unique ritual follows: fans toss their hats onto the ice in a jubilant show of celebration and respect for the player’s achievement.

But have you ever wondered what happens to all those hats after the game? 

Do they disappear into some mysterious hockey abyss or find a new purpose off the rink?  

When I witness my first hat trick at the Flyer’s game, I was hoping (as a pragmatic and practical mother trying to afford hockey) that they may offer these to us as we left that evening. No…no, but I promise the story of the hat-tricked hats gets better…..

The origins of this tradition unravel the curious journey of those ice-covered hats.

The Tradition of the Hat Trick

Definition and Origin

The term “hat trick” didn’t originate in hockey. It comes from cricket, where players were awarded a hat for taking three wickets in a row—a rare and impressive feat. 

Over time, the phrase found its way into a Hockey rink, becoming shorthand for when a player scores three goals in a single game.

As for the fan tradition of throwing hats? That dates back to the early 20th century when fans began tossing their own hats in honor of the player—a kind of sacrificial offering to the hockey gods. 

While its exact origins are forever debated, the gesture has evolved into a treasured and widespread hockey ritual.

Fan Participation

Picture this: your favorite player scores their third goal, the crowd erupts, and hats start flying through the air like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered joy, as fans unite to show their admiration.

The communal spirit of hat-tossing is part of what makes it so special. Each hat represents the fan’s connection to the game, a tangible piece of themselves offered up to celebrate a feat that most players dream of achieving.  They truly feel a part of the team community, the spirit, the celebration.

The Collection Process of The Hats

On-Ice Cleanup

Once the hats hit the ice, it’s time for the unsung heroes of the game—arena staff—to step in. 

Armed with shovels, bins, and sometimes even brooms, the cleanup crew swoops onto the rink to gather the hats. I have seen with my own eyes how fast these impressive staff work with incredible speed to ensure the game can resume without delay. 

In some instances, fans throw hundreds of hats, depending on the size of the crowd and the significance of the game. One NHL game reportedly collected over 700 hats for a single hat trick! The sheer volume often surprises those who don’t realize how deep this tradition runs among hockey enthusiasts.

Initial Sorting

Once 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 some might imagine a chaotic pile of headwear, most teams have streamlined this process to make it efficient and effective.

From the moment these hats hit the ice to their eventual fate, this beloved tradition is more than just a quirky hockey custom—it’s a testament to the bond between fans, players, and the game itself. Stay tuned for the next part of this article series, where we’ll dive into what teams do with the hats after they’ve been colected!

What Happens to the Hats After a Hat Trick?

When a player scores a hat trick, fans enthusiastically throw their hats onto the ice, creating a memorable spectacle. But what becomes of these hats after the celebration? Teams handle them in various ways:

Player Keepsakes:

In some instances, teams collect the hats and present them to the player who achieved the hat trick as a memento.  The player may be abe to rummage through and pick out his favorites. This practice allows the player to keep a tangible reminder of their accomplishment. For example, the Dallas Stars have been known to offer the collected hats to the player(s), giving them the option to keep them as souvenirs.

Yahoo Sports

Charitable Donations:

Many teams choose to donate the collected hats to local charities, such as homeless shelters or hospitals. This approach not only clears the ice but also benefits the community. 

For instance, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a tradition of donating the hats to local charities, providing warmth and support to those in need. Many also donate to children’s hospitals, community organizations, or the homeless.

Yahoo Sports

See this Reddit picture of what each organization does with the hat tricked hats!

Ever wonder what NHL teams do with the hats you throw on the ice for hat tricks? Blackhawks throw the hats away, while the Blues donate them to the homeless.
byu/STLBooze3 instlouisblues

Public Displays:

Certain teams create displays within their arenas showcasing hats from various hat tricks. The Philadelphia Flyers, for example, have been putting hats on display in the concourse of the Wells Fargo Center since the building opened in 1996. They have been adding displays to the ceiling to accommodate the 600 to 800 hats they sweep up per hat trick, with each section labeled to commemorate the player and the date.

The Hockey News

Sanitation and Disposal:

Health and safety considerations lead some teams to dispose of the hats. Given that the hats come from various sources and may not be clean, teams like the Calgary Flames have chosen to discard them to prevent potential hygiene issues.

NS News

Fan Reclamation:

Lost and Found Policies:

In the excitement of celebrating a hat trick, fans often toss their cherished hats onto the ice, only to later wish they hadn’t parted with their favorite headgear. Recognizing this, several NHL teams have established Lost and Found policies to help fans reclaim their hats post-game.

For instance, the Vancouver Canucks collect hats thrown onto the ice and store them at their security office located at Gate 9. 

Fan around the Lost and Found table for Hat Trick Hats

Fans who wish to retrieve their hats can do so by visiting this location. 

The team holds onto the hats for a period of 30 days, mirroring their standard lost and found process. After this period, any unclaimed hats are donated to local charities, ensuring they find a new purpose in the community.

Vancouver Is Awesome

Similarly, the Ottawa Senators’ guest services team retains the collected hats for about two weeks following the game. During this time, fans can claim their hats by providing a specific description to verify ownership. Hats that remain unclaimed after this period are cleaned and donated to local shelters, benefiting those in need.

CBC

These policies not only offer fans the opportunity to reclaim their belongings but also contribute positively to the community through charitable donations. It’s advisable for fans to check with their local team’s policies, as procedures and time frames for hat reclamation can vary across different organizations.

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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