Throwing things on the ice is near the top of the list of things of which fans might be told, “You can’t do that.“

Not only is it disruptive to the game, but – depending on the object in question – could be potentially dangerous to fans, players, and officials.

It’s also against the rules, and could result in a penalty to the home team.

63.4 Objects Thrown on the Ice – In the event that objects are thrown on the ice that interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play and the puck shall be faced-off at a face-off spot in the zone nearest to the spot where play is stopped.

When objects are thrown on the ice during a stoppage in play, including after the scoring of a goal, the Referee shall have announced over the public address system that any further occurrences will result in a bench minor penalty being assessed to the home team.

Articles thrown onto the ice following a special occasion (i.e. hat trick) will not result in a bench minor penalty being assessed.

Like the rulebook says, hat trick hats are fine.  Even the occasional catfish…   or octopus…  hamburger… or even rat, though don’t get carried away.

Back in 2016, the Florida Panthers were given two delay of game penalties as a result of their fans hurling toy rats onto the ice.

 

Frustrated Flyers fans threw glow bracelets on to the ice in an 8-5 playoff elimination loss during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, prompting the PA Announcer to implore fans to stop before the team was assessed a delay of game penalty.

 


“Show class,” said public address announcer Lou Nolan, in delivering the warning to the fans “The next one who does it will cause us a minor penalty. Do not do it!”

Stay classy, fans.