Florida Panthers Rat Story

Florida Panthers Rat Story

Florida Panthers Rat Story -: So friends, today we will tell you in this article “Florida Panthers Rat Story?” If you want to collect information about this, you must read this article until the end, so your knowledge can increase even more!

Florida Panthers Rat Story
Florida Panthers Rat Story

The Florida Panthers Rat tradition began in 1995 when a rat appeared in the team’s locker room before a game against the Calgary Flames. Right winger Scott Mellanby killed the rat with his stick, and later that night, he scored two goals in a 4-3 win. After the game, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck joked that Mellanby had completed a “rat trick.”

The next night, a fan threw a plastic rat onto the ice after the Panthers scored a goal. The following night, a few more rodents found themselves sliding across the playing surface. Soon, fans were throwing rats onto the ice after every goal, leading the Panthers to partner with the exterminator company Orkin and have men in exterminator uniforms clean up the rink.

The rat trick became a popular tradition among Panthers fans, and it even spread to other NHL teams. In 2002, the Detroit Red Wings were playing the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Finals when a fan threw a rat onto the ice. The rat was quickly removed, but it did not prevent the Red Wings from winning the game and the Stanley Cup.

The rat trick is a unique and quirky tradition that is a big part of the Florida Panthers’ fan culture. It is a fun and harmless way for fans to show their support for their team, and it has become a part of the fabric of the NHL.

Here are some additional details about the Florida Panthers Rat tradition:

  • The rats are typically made of plastic and are about 8 inches long.
  • Fans are allowed to bring rats into the arena, but they are not allowed to throw them onto the ice until after the game has ended.
  • The Panthers have a special policy in place for dealing with rats that are thrown onto the ice. The rats are removed by Orkin employees, and fans who throw rats onto the ice can be ejected from the arena.
  • The rat trick has been featured in several national media outlets, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and The New York Times.
  • The rat trick is a popular topic of discussion among hockey fans on social media.

The Florida Panthers Rat tradition is a unique and fun way for fans to show their support for their team. It is a part of the fabric of the NHL, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.

What is Florida Panthers Rat


The Florida Panthers Rat is a tradition started in 1995 by former Florida Panthers player Scott Mellanby. Prior to a game against the Calgary Flames, Mellanby saw a rat in the locker room and killed it with his stick. Later that night, he scored two goals in a 4-3 victory. After the game, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck joked that Mellanby had gotten a “rat trick.”

The next night, a fan threw a plastic rat onto the ice in celebration of Mellanby’s two goals. This sparked a tradition that has continued to this day. After every Florida Panthers goal, fans throw plastic rats onto the ice in support of their team. The rats have become a symbol of the Panthers’ fan base and their passionate support for the team.

The tradition of throwing rats onto the ice has been met with mixed reactions. Some people find it to be a creative and harmless way to show support for their team, while others find it to be disrespectful and unsanitary. The NHL has even banned the practice of throwing rats onto the ice, but fans have continued to do so anyway.

Despite the controversy, the Florida Panthers Rat tradition is one of the most unique and memorable traditions in all sports. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Panthers’ fan base.

What Is Florida Panthers Rat Story


The Florida Panthers Rat Story is a unique and memorable tradition that began in 1995. It all started when former Florida Panthers player Scott Mellanby saw a rat in the locker room before a game against the Calgary Flames. Mellanby killed the rat with his stick, and later that night, he scored two goals in a 4-3 victory. After the game, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck joked that Mellanby had gotten a “rat trick.”

The next night, a fan threw a plastic rat onto the ice in celebration of Mellanby’s two goals. This sparked a tradition that has continued to this day. After every Florida Panthers goal, fans throw plastic rats onto the ice in support of their team. The rats have become a symbol of the Panthers’ fan base and their passionate support for the team.

The tradition of throwing rats onto the ice has been met with mixed reactions. Some people find it to be a creative and harmless way to show support for their team, while others find it to be disrespectful and unsanitary. The NHL has even banned the practice of throwing rats onto the ice, but fans have continued to do so anyway.

Despite the controversy, the Florida Panthers Rat Story is one of the most unique and memorable traditions in all of sports. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Panthers’ fan base.

Here are some additional details about the Florida Panthers Rat Story:

  • The rat that Mellanby killed was a Norway rat, which is a common species of rat found in North America.
  • The plastic rats that fans throw onto the ice are typically about 3 inches long and are made of a soft, pliable material.
  • The Florida Panthers have won two division titles and made it to the Stanley Cup Finals once since the rat tradition began.
  • The rat tradition has been featured in several national media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and The New York Times.
  • The Florida Panthers have embraced the rat tradition and have even sold official plastic rats through their team store.

The Florida Panthers Rat Story is a unique and memorable tradition that is a part of the fabric of the team and its fan base. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Panthers’ fans, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.

Conclusion :

the Florida panther is an endangered subspecies of mountain lion found in Florida, known for its elusive nature and habitat in the southern part of the state. Rats, on the other hand, are small rodents that can be found in various habitats, including the Florida panther’s natural range. While rats are not a specific focus when discussing the Florida panther, they are one of many prey species that panthers may occasionally feed on.

Also Read :

Leave a Comment