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Detroit Red Wings and the Legend of the Octopus
The Detroit Red Wings, a storied franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), are famously associated with a peculiar tradition: fans throwing octopuses onto the ice. This unique custom, deeply ingrained in the team’s history, began in 1952 and has become a symbol of the team’s playoff success and passionate fanbase. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, although with some modifications.
The Origin of “The Legend of the Octopus”
The tradition began during the 1952 NHL playoffs. Pete and Jerry Cusimano, brothers and market owners in Detroit, threw an octopus onto the ice. An octopus has eight tentacles, and at the time, eight wins were needed to secure the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, cementing the octopus as a symbol of good luck.
Why an Octopus?
Beyond the symbolic eight tentacles representing the number of wins needed to win a championship, the octopus also served as a tangible demonstration of fan support and a playful disruption to the game. The sight of a slimy cephalopod sliding across the ice became a visual shorthand for the Red Wings’ playoff dominance and the city’s unwavering passion for their team.
Al the Octopus
Over the years, the octopus became more than just a one-off occurrence; it evolved into a team mascot named “Al.” Al is a purple octopus (because red and white, the team colors, mix to make purple) and is ceremoniously swung around the arena before games, further solidifying the octopus’s place in Red Wings culture.
The NHL’s Stance
While the tradition is beloved by Red Wings fans, the NHL has, understandably, attempted to regulate the throwing of objects onto the ice. The tradition continues today, but throwing an octopus onto the ice can result in a fine. Despite the penalties, the occasional octopus still makes its way onto the ice, particularly during playoff games, as a testament to the tradition’s enduring appeal. For more information on the Detroit Red Wings, you can check out their page on Wikipedia.
FAQs About the Octopus Tradition
Why do Red Wings fans throw octopuses on the ice?
The tradition started in 1952 when eight wins were needed to win the Stanley Cup, and an octopus has eight tentacles.
Is it legal to throw an octopus onto the ice at a Red Wings game?
While the tradition is still practiced, throwing an octopus onto the ice can result in a fine from the NHL.
Who was Al the Octopus named after?
Al the Octopus is simply a play on words. He is a symbol and mascot, and the name Al is not particularly related to any specific player or person.
How are the octopuses prepared before being thrown?
Fans used to boil the octopuses to make them easier to throw. However, they are now usually just frozen.
Does any other NHL team have a similar tradition?
While other teams have fan traditions, none are quite as unique or long-standing as the Red Wings’ octopus tradition.
Summary
The Detroit Red Wings’ tradition of throwing octopuses onto the ice is a unique and enduring symbol of the team’s history, playoff success, and passionate fanbase. Originating in 1952, the eight-tentacled cephalopod represents the number of wins needed to win the Stanley Cup and has become an integral part of Red Wings culture. While the NHL has attempted to regulate the practice, the occasional octopus still makes its way onto the ice, keeping the legend alive.
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