Hockey players are always creatures of habit. I don’t claim to have any superstitions, but I do have an exact way I pack my bag, get dressed, do my pre-game stretch, specifically how I tape my stick, and a few more…
Right, so maybe I can be a little superstitious.
But, NHL players are notorious for their superstitions. With the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs less than a week from starting, let’s review some of the best playoff hockey superstitions:
- The Playoff Beard: Perhaps the most iconic playoff superstition in hockey, players across the NHL grow out their beards throughout the playoffs, believing it brings good luck and creates team unity.
- Unwashed Gear: Many players refuse to wash their gear, including jerseys, socks, and equipment, during a winning streak, fearing that washing away the accumulated luck will break their streak.
- Pre-Game Rituals: From taping their stick a specific way, to performing a certain warm-up routine, players often have strict pre-game rituals that they follow religiously to get in the right mindset for the game.
- Lucky Charms: Players may carry a lucky charm, such as a coin, necklace, or wristband, with them on the ice, believing it brings them good luck.
- Avoiding the Stanley Cup: It’s common for players to avoid touching or even looking at the Stanley Cup until they’ve won it, believing that doing so will jinx their chances of hoisting the trophy at the end of the playoffs.
- Uniform Superstitions: Some players have specific preferences when it comes to their uniform, such as wearing the same socks or underwear for every game.
- Game-Day Meals: Many players have specific pre-game meals that they eat before every game, whether it’s a favorite pasta dish or steak dinner.
- Tapping the Boards: Before taking the ice, players often tap their stick on the boards or the ice as a form of ritualistic preparation, believing it helps them mentally prepare for the intensity of the game ahead.
These are just a few examples of the superstitions observed by NHL players during the playoffs. Whether they’re growing their beards or carrying lucky charms, these superstitions are a fascinating aspect of hockey culture and add to the mystique and excitement of the playoffs.
What type of superstitions do you have? I bet you have more than you realize once you think about it. I just hope it doesn’t involve not washing your gear!