Why Do Predators Fans Throw Catfish? Unveiling the Ritual
The Nashville Predators faithful famously hurl catfish onto the ice. This tradition, born from borrowed ingenuity and regional significance, is a symbolic act of defiance and celebration, meant to jinx the opposing team and rally support for the Predators.
From Detroit to Nashville: A Fishy Origin Story
The act of throwing objects onto the ice during hockey games is not unique to Nashville. The tradition can be traced back to the Detroit Red Wings, whose fans would throw octopi onto the ice. This practice began in the 1950s when the eight tentacles symbolized the eight wins needed to secure a Stanley Cup victory.
The Predators, a much newer team, needed their own symbolic gesture. Enter the catfish, a readily available and culturally relevant fish in the South.
The Significance of the Catfish
The catfish isn’t just any fish; it’s a symbol of the South. Its hearty nature, ability to thrive in challenging environments, and its prevalence in Southern cuisine make it a fitting emblem for the underdog spirit that initially defined the Predators franchise.
- Regional Identity: Catfish is a staple food and symbol in the South, connecting fans to their roots.
- Underdog Spirit: The catfish represents the Predators’ journey as a newer team striving for recognition.
- Disruption and Spectacle: Throwing a large, slimy fish onto the ice creates a visual spectacle and disrupts the game, potentially unnerving the opposition.
The Logistics of a Fishy Toss
Pulling off a catfish toss is more complicated than one might think. Fans must smuggle the fish into the arena, often concealed in creative ways.
- Procurement: Obtain a catfish. Grocery stores and local fish markets are the usual sources.
- Preparation: The fish needs to be… prepared (or not). Some prefer to freeze it to reduce the smell and mess, while others believe a fresh, smelly fish is more impactful.
- Concealment: This is the tricky part. Fans have been known to wrap the fish in newspaper, stuff it into pants, or even use specialized containers.
- Execution: Choose the right moment – typically after a goal or during a stoppage in play. Aim for the ice, but avoid hitting players or officials.
- The Aftermath: Brace for potential ejection and fines. The NHL has strict rules against throwing objects onto the ice.
The Risks and Repercussions
While the tradition is beloved by many, it’s not without its drawbacks. The NHL frowns upon the practice due to safety concerns and potential disruptions to the game.
- Penalties: Fans caught throwing catfish can face ejection from the arena and potential fines.
- Game Delay: The act can delay the game as arena staff clean up the ice.
- Potential for Injury: While rare, there’s a risk of the fish hitting players or officials.
Despite the risks, the catfish toss remains a powerful symbol of fan enthusiasm and a unique part of the Predators’ identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why catfish and not another fish?
The catfish holds significant cultural meaning in the South, where the Nashville Predators are located. It’s a common food source, a symbol of resilience, and a nod to the region’s identity, making it a more meaningful choice than other fish.
How did the tradition start?
The catfish tradition started in the late 1990s, inspired by the Detroit Red Wings’ practice of throwing octopi onto the ice. Predators fans wanted their own unique symbol to rally behind their team.
Is it legal to throw catfish onto the ice?
No, it is not legal to throw catfish (or any object) onto the ice during NHL games. Fans caught doing so can face ejection, fines, and even potential bans from the arena.
Where do fans get the catfish?
Fans typically purchase catfish from local grocery stores or fish markets. Some even catch them themselves, adding to the tradition’s local flavor.
How do fans sneak the catfish into the arena?
Fans employ various methods, often concealing the fish in clothing, bags, or using elaborate contraptions. Security measures have increased over time, making it more challenging.
What happens to the catfish after it’s thrown?
Arena staff remove the catfish from the ice. In the past, some were kept as trophies or souvenirs, but generally they are disposed of for hygiene reasons.
Does the team condone the practice?
While the Predators do not officially condone the practice due to NHL regulations, they recognize its importance to the fan base and often acknowledge it in a lighthearted manner.
Has anyone ever been seriously injured by a catfish?
There are no reported cases of serious injuries caused by thrown catfish, but the NHL discourages the practice due to the potential risk of harm to players or officials.
Is the catfish tradition unique to the Predators?
While other teams have similar traditions of throwing objects onto the ice, the catfish is uniquely associated with the Nashville Predators and their Southern identity.
How does the NHL feel about the catfish tradition?
The NHL generally discourages throwing objects onto the ice due to safety concerns and the potential for game disruption. They have imposed fines and increased security to deter the practice.
Are there any alternative ways to show support for the Predators?
Absolutely! Fans can show their support by wearing team colors, cheering loudly, attending games, and participating in other less disruptive team-sponsored activities.
Will the catfish tradition ever disappear?
Despite the NHL’s efforts to curb it, the catfish tradition seems likely to persist as long as the Nashville Predators exist. It’s deeply ingrained in the team’s culture and fan identity, proving difficult to extinguish.