NHL's Most Unusual Superstitions Throughout History

Professional hockey players often employ peculiar superstitions to enhance their performance on the ice. Beyond rigorous training, many NHL stars have adopted strange rituals in pursuit of success.

Patrick Roy's Goalpost Conversations

Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy spoke with his goalposts, believing it improved his play. This practice began during the 1986 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he felt the posts aided him in a winning game. Roy would instruct the posts before matches, noting they "talked back," sometimes offering support, other times having an off-night. Despite its oddity, this superstition coincided with his four Stanley Cups and three Vezina Trophies.

Glenn Hall's Pre-Game Ritual

"Mr. Goalie" Glenn Hall, a Hall of Famer, induced vomiting before games as a superstition to improve his performance. He felt he wasn't giving his all if he skipped this ritual and that he played better when he had. Hall believed this practice helped him manage the pressure of significant games. His career included a Stanley Cup win, three Vezina Trophies, and 407 career victories.

Ed Belfour's Equipment Protection

Ed Belfour, known as "The Eagle," was highly protective of his goalie equipment. He refused to let anyone but himself touch his gear, even issuing threats to those who came near. Belfour believed his best performance depended on him being the sole handler of his equipment. He would also disassemble parts of his gear, like his glove, after poor performances.

Wayne Gretzky's Extensive Rituals

Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One," had numerous superstitions. He applied baby powder to his stick before games and refused to get his hair cut while on the road after a disastrous loss following one such cut. His routine included dressing in a specific order, intentionally missing his first warm-up shot, and consuming beverages in a precise sequence: diet Coke, water, Gatorade, then another diet Coke. These rituals accompanied his four Stanley Cups and record-setting career.

Sidney Crosby's Stick and Mother Rule

Sidney Crosby maintains specific superstitions regarding his hockey sticks. Each stick must be cut to a precise length and taped in a particular manner. No one else is allowed to touch them; if they do, Crosby re-tapes the stick entirely, feeling its performance is compromised otherwise. Additionally, he avoids calling his mother on game days, having sustained three major injuries after doing so.

The Conference Trophy Taboo

Teams winning the Eastern or Western Conference Final face a choice regarding the Prince of Wales Trophy or Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. Many players believe touching these trophies is a bad omen, reducing their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. However, historical data shows teams that touch these trophies win the Stanley Cup about half the time. Sidney Crosby's Penguins, for example, lost the Final after not touching the Prince of Wales Trophy in 2008 but won it the following year after picking it up.

Other Notable Superstitions:

• Chris Chelios: Was the last player to put on his jersey before a game.
• Jocelyn Thibault: Poured water over his head six and a half minutes before puck drop.
• Joe Nieuwendyk: Consumed two pieces of peanut butter toast before each game.
• Brendan Shanahan: Wore his junior hockey shoulder pads in Detroit and listened to Madonna pre-game.
• Karl Alzner: Tapped his stick 88 times and traced the outline of a maple leaf before national anthems.