The tale of Scott Mellanby’s rat-killing heroics in 1995 continues to captivate the Florida Panthers. What started as a simple act of extermination in a makeshift locker room has evolved into a cherished part of the team’s identity.

The rat tradition remains alive and well in South Florida. Fans can be seen sporting rat-themed apparel and accessories, embracing the unique connection between cats and rats.

The iconic moment occurred during the Panthers’ inaugural season when Mellanby took matters into his own hands and dispatched a pesky rodent with a swift swing of his stick. The subsequent game where he scored two goals with that same stick solidified the legend of the “rat trick” in NHL history.

Since then, rubber rats have become synonymous with Panthers hockey, symbolizing the team’s scrappy nature and the unwavering support of their fans. While the practice of throwing rats onto the ice after goals has been prohibited by the NHL, the tradition lives on in other forms, with fans celebrating victories by tossing the rubber critters onto the rink.

From sponsorship deals with exterminating companies to the wife of the team owner getting in on the action, the rat craze has left an indelible mark on South Florida hockey culture. As the Panthers look to capture their first Stanley Cup, the enduring legacy of the rat tradition serves as a reminder of the team’s roots and the passionate fan base that continues to rally behind them.

In a region with few established traditions, the Panthers have embraced the rat as a symbol of unity and resilience. As they set their sights on championship glory, the presence of rubber rats on the ice serves as a nostalgic nod to the past and a source of motivation for the future.

Photo Credits; Yahoo Sports, Sportsnet, Florida Panthers Virtual Vault, National Post

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