Hat-trick: meaning and why fans throw hats

What does hat-trick mean?

When a player in ice hockey scores three goals in one game, it is called a hat-trick. Unlike German football usage, where a "pure" hat-trick means three consecutive goals within one half, in ice hockey three goals at any point in the game are enough. Goals in the shootout do not count.

Where does the term come from?

The expression comes from cricket. In the 19th century, a bowler who dismissed three batsmen with three consecutive deliveries received a hat in recognition. The word later spread to many other sports.

Why do fans throw hats onto the ice?

In ice hockey, the hat-trick is linked to a special ritual: fans throw their hats, caps and beanies onto the ice. Several stories circulate about its origin, including from North America in the 1940s and 1950s, in which hatmakers promised players a hat for three goals. Which version is true is not documented. What is certain: the ritual has spread worldwide, including to European arenas.

After the hat-trick, the ice crew collects the headwear before play resumes. In some arenas the hats are then donated or displayed.

Special hat-tricks

• Natural hat-trick: three consecutive goals by the same player, with nobody else scoring in between.
• Gordie Howe hat-trick: a tongue-in-cheek term for a goal, an assist and a fight in the same game, named after NHL legend Gordie Howe. Howe himself, however, only rarely achieved this combination.
• Shorthanded or power play hat-trick: three goals in special teams situations, such as on the power play, are considered a special achievement.

Hat-tricks in statistics and match reports

Match reports usually highlight a hat-trick. You can find current games and results in the ice sports calendar.

Hat-tricks in other sports

The term is used in many sports today, with slightly different meanings:

Figuratively, people also speak of a hat-trick when a team wins three titles in a row.

Records and curiosities

The NHL has numerous records relating to hat-tricks, such as the most hat-tricks in a career or the fastest three goals. The fastest hat-trick in NHL history is legendary: Bill Mosienko scored three times within 21 seconds in 1952. In the DEL, too, hats regularly fly onto the ice after hat-tricks.