Origins in 1995-96 Season

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Scott Mellanby's "Rat Trick"

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Symbol of Good Luck

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Pre-Game Rat Sales

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Rat Patrol

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Inspiring Other Teams

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Temporary Bans

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Revival in 2012

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Rat Toss Contests

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Enduring Fan Connection

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Origins in 1995-96 Season

Origins in 1995-96 Season

The tradition began during the Florida Panthers' successful 1995-96 season, which saw them reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

The tradition began during the Florida Panthers' successful 1995-96 season, which saw them reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Scott Mellanby's "Rat Trick"

Scott Mellanby's "Rat Trick"

Panthers' player Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room and later scored two goals in the same game, coining the term "Rat Trick."

Panthers' player Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room and later scored two goals in the same game, coining the term "Rat Trick."

Symbol of Good Luck

Symbol of Good Luck

Fans believed that the rat incident brought the team good luck, leading to the tradition of throwing rats onto the ice.

Fans believed that the rat incident brought the team good luck, leading to the tradition of throwing rats onto the ice.

Pre-Game Rat Sales

Pre-Game Rat Sales

Enthusiastic fans started purchasing plastic rats to throw onto the ice at games, fueling the growing tradition.

Enthusiastic fans started purchasing plastic rats to throw onto the ice at games, fueling the growing tradition.

Rat Patrol

Rat Patrol

The team embraced the tradition, creating the "Rat Patrol," a group of volunteers who collected thrown rats from the ice.

The team embraced the tradition, creating the "Rat Patrol," a group of volunteers who collected thrown rats from the ice.

Inspiring Other Teams

Inspiring Other Teams

The Florida Panthers' rat-throwing tradition has inspired similar rituals among other sports teams and their fans.

The Florida Panthers' rat-throwing tradition has inspired similar rituals among other sports teams and their fans.

Temporary Bans

Temporary Bans

Due to safety concerns and game delays, the NHL has intermittently banned the rat-throwing practice, leading to periods of cessation.

Due to safety concerns and game delays, the NHL has intermittently banned the rat-throwing practice, leading to periods of cessation.

Revival in 2012

Revival in 2012

The tradition experienced a revival in 2012 when the Panthers returned to the playoffs, rekindling fans' enthusiasm for throwing rats.

The tradition experienced a revival in 2012 when the Panthers returned to the playoffs, rekindling fans' enthusiasm for throwing rats.

Rat Toss Contests

Rat Toss Contests

The team has organized "Rat Toss" contests, further promoting the tradition and engaging fans in a fun and unique way.

The team has organized "Rat Toss" contests, further promoting the tradition and engaging fans in a fun and unique way.

Enduring Fan Connection

Enduring Fan Connection

The rat-throwing tradition has continued to strengthen the bond between the Florida Panthers and their fans, symbolizing a shared history and passion for the team.

The rat-throwing tradition has continued to strengthen the bond between the Florida Panthers and their fans, symbolizing a shared history and passion for the team.