Hockey isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life built on grit, skill, and unshakable belief. But beyond the drills and training regimens lies another layer of the game that fans rarely see: hockey superstitions. From taping sticks a certain way to avoiding a trophy touch, players at every level follow routines they believe help keep luck on their side.

These traditions aren’t just quirky habits. For many players, they’re sacred. Superstitions create structure in a chaotic, high-stakes environment, giving athletes a sense of control when the puck drops. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of hockey rituals and the stories that have become part of the game’s lore.

1. The Ritual of Getting Dressed

In hockey, even putting on gear can feel like a ritual. Many players develop their own dressing sequence — maybe left skate first, then right, or always taping shin guards in the same order.

Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” famously stuck to his own meticulous routine. He’d tuck in one side of his jersey and even followed a precise pregame drink order: Diet Coke, water, Gatorade, then Diet Coke again. For Gretzky, those habits weren’t about luck — they were about rhythm and focus.

Repetition helps players get into a mental groove, and that mindset often shows in their confidence once they hit the ice.

2. The Legendary Playoff Beard

Few hockey superstitions are as iconic as the playoff beard. The tradition gained popularity with the 1980s New York Islanders dynasty, whose players let their beards grow throughout the postseason.

The belief is simple: once the playoffs begin, you don’t shave until your team is eliminated — or crowned champion. The beard becomes a symbol of unity, endurance, and superstition.

Fans soon joined the trend, showing solidarity with their favorite teams by growing their own “playoff beards.” Whether it truly brings luck or just builds camaraderie, it’s one of the most visible and beloved hockey traditions around.

3. To Touch or Not to Touch the Trophy

When a team wins its conference and earns the Prince of Wales Trophy or Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, players face a choice: lift it — or leave it alone.

Some teams refuse to touch the trophy, believing it might “jinx” their Stanley Cup chances. Others see it as just another step on the journey and have no problem celebrating with it.

For example, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins avoided touching the trophy in 2008 and lost in the Final. The next year, Crosby picked it up — and the team won. He repeated that in 2016 and 2017, winning both times. Alex Ovechkin also touched the Prince of Wales Trophy in 2018 and went on to hoist the Cup.

Still, superstition aside, statistics show no real pattern — plenty of teams that touched the trophy went on to win, and many that didn’t still fell short. The ritual endures because of tradition and mindset, not proof.

4. Lucky Equipment and Ritual Items

Every hockey player has that one piece of gear they can’t let go of — maybe a stick that’s seen better days or a pair of socks that should’ve been retired long ago.

Goalies, in particular, are known for unique habits. Some tap their posts before every period; others follow the same warm-up stretch sequence or sit in silence for exactly the same number of minutes. Legendary goalie Patrick Roy even admitted he “talked” to his goalposts during games, thanking them for bounces that went his way.

These rituals might sound superstitious, but they give players comfort — and in a sport where momentum can swing in seconds, mental confidence is everything.

5. Pregame Meals and Music Rituals

Game-day routines don’t stop at the locker room. Many players stick to the same meals or playlists every time they play.

Superstar Sidney Crosby famously eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at 5 p.m. before games, following a carefully timed pattern that’s stayed consistent throughout his career. Other players rely on “lucky” pasta, chicken, or specific energy drinks to prepare their minds and bodies for battle.

Music, too, plays a part — entire teams have pregame playlists that never change during winning streaks. It’s all about consistency and focus — the comfort of routine before the chaos of the rink.

6. The “Don’t Say It” Shutout Custom

Ask any hockey player: if your goalie hasn’t been scored on yet, don’t say the word “shutout.”

This isn’t an official rule — it’s a long-standing superstition. Players believe mentioning a shutout before the final buzzer might jinx it. Even broadcasters sometimes dodge the word, opting for phrases like “he hasn’t allowed a goal yet.”

Whether it’s coincidence or collective caution, few in hockey dare to test it.

7. Stick-Taping Rituals

For most players, taping a stick isn’t just maintenance — it’s meditation. The pattern, direction, and timing can all carry personal meaning. Some players tape their blades the night before; others do it right before warm-ups.

Superstitious or not, many refuse to change their tape job during a scoring streak. The repetition helps calm nerves and maintain focus — a small ritual that helps create consistency amid the unpredictability of the game.

8. Locker Room Traditions and Team Rituals

Hockey is full of shared team superstitions that build chemistry as much as luck. Many locker rooms have victory songs played after every win or pregame chants that never change during hot streaks.

One of the sport’s most famous traditions comes from the Detroit Red Wings, whose fans started throwing octopuses onto the ice in 1952 — symbolizing the eight wins once needed to capture the Stanley Cup. The practice continues today, though the NHL cracked down in 2008, banning on-ice “twirling” for safety reasons.

It’s a mix of fandom and folklore — and proof that superstition isn’t limited to the players.

9. Post-Game Rituals and Recovery Habits

Superstitions don’t always stop when the final horn sounds. Some players stick to the same post-game routine: removing gear in the same order, eating the same snack, or sitting in the same locker stall every night.

These habits may seem small, but they help players wind down and reset. In a season packed with games, consistency is key, and these routines provide a familiar rhythm in an unpredictable sport.

Final Buzzer

From playoff beards to pregame sandwiches, hockey superstitions offer a glimpse into the psychological side of the game. They may not be backed by science, but they serve a purpose: they bring order, focus, and belief to an unpredictable sport.

For every player who refuses to touch a trophy, another one embraces it — and both believe they’re doing what’s right. In hockey, confidence is everything, and if a ritual helps a player find that extra edge, it’s worth every quirky habit.

Superstitions remind us that hockey isn’t just about skill — it’s also about faith, rhythm, and the tiny moments that make the sport unforgettable.