Rats have long been associated with disease and death so it’s no surprise that people freak out when they see them in public places. But in Florida there’s a particularly gruesome way of dealing with these pests: some people actually throw them onto the ice at hockey games!
The reasons behind this strange tradition are unclear but it’s thought to date back to the early days of hockey in Florida. In the early 2000s the Tampa Bay Lightning were the only NHL team in the state and they quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most rat-infested arenas in the league.
Players would often find dead rats on the ice and the team’s mascot ThunderBug even had a rat terrier named Stanley who was known for chasing rats around the arena.
Eventually fans started bringing their own dead rats to games and throwing them onto the ice as a way of mocking the team. It became such a problem that the team had to start issuing warnings to fans that they could be ejected from the arena if they were caught doing it.
Despite the warnings the tradition has continued and it’s even spread to other arenas in Florida. So next time you’re at a hockey game in the Sunshine State keep an eye out for any rats that might be making an appearance!
What is the reason why they throw rats on the ice in Florida?
One theory is that the rats distract the alligators so that they can escape.
Another theory is that throwing rats on the ice is a tradition that started during the 1980s when the Florida Panthers would win a game.
How many rats are normally thrown during a game?
Anywhere between 10 to 20 rats are thrown during a game.
Do the rats get hurt when they are thrown on the ice?
No the rats are typically dead before they are thrown on the ice.
Who throws the rats on the ice?
Fans of the opposing team typically throw the rats on the ice.
How do the fans get the rats into the arena?
The fans typically smuggle the rats into the arena in their pockets or bags.
What happens to the rats after they are thrown on the ice?
The rats are typically left on the ice until the end of the game when the arena’s cleaning crew comes out to remove them.
Do the Florida Panthers condone this behavior?
No the Florida Panthers have come out and said that they do not condone this behavior.
What is the penalty for throwing objects onto the ice?
The penalty for throwing objects onto the ice is a 2-minute minor penalties.
Has anyone ever been seriously injured by a thrown rat?
There have been no reports of anyone ever being seriously injured by a thrown rat.
Do other teams have fans that throw objects onto the ice?
Yes other teams have fans that throw objects onto the ice but it is most commonly associated with the Florida Panthers.
Why do you think this tradition started?
One theory is that the rats distract the alligators so that they can escape.
Another theory is that throwing rats on the ice is a tradition that started during the 1980s when the Florida Panthers would win a game.
Do you think this is an appropriate way to show support for a team?
No the Florida Panthers have come out and said that they do not condone this behavior.
What do you think should be done to stop this tradition?
One way to try and stop this tradition is to increase security at the arena to make it more difficult for fans to smuggle rats into the building.
Do you think this tradition will continue?
It is difficult to say as it is something that has been going on for many years.
What are your thoughts on this tradition?
This is a tradition that is not condoned by the Florida Panthers and is considered to be unsportsmanlike behavior.
