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On This Date: Panthers Rat-Throwing Tradition Began With Scott Mellanby Scoring Twice After Killing Rodent In Locker Room

The Florida Panthers’ iconic rat-throwing tradition traces back to their 1995 home opener against the Calgary Flames, a night that began with an unexpected twist. Before the game at Miami Arena, a live rat startled players in the locker room, but forward Scott Mellanby handled the situation with a stick swing, eliminating the rodent.

His composure carried over to the ice, where he scored twice in a 4-3 Panthers victory, with goalie John Vanbiesbrouck dubbing it a ‘Rat Trick.’ Fans latched onto the phrase, launching the practice of tossing plastic rats after goals—a tradition that evolved into a post-win celebration due to NHL rule changes over delays. The Panthers’ first playoff run and Cup Final appearance that season cemented the quirky ritual, now a staple of their identity after every home win.

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