![]() ![]() But did you know that there is a connection between the catfish and Tennessee’s music industry? Country music is a big part of Nashville’s culture and the catfish has found its way into the lyrics of some popular songs. Many Nashville Predators fans are passionate about their team and the tradition of catfish throwing. ![]() Before each game, a fan dressed in a yellow fish costume carries out the catfish to center ice, where it is kissed and then thrown onto the ice by the “Catfish Guy.” The Catfish Toss Ceremony: The tradition of throwing catfish onto the ice has become an official ceremony during Predators games. ![]() Just like a catfish, the Predators are tough, resilient, and can survive in harsh environments. In Nashville, it has become a symbol of the team’s determination and perseverance. Symbolism of the Catfish: The catfish represents more than just a random object to throw onto the ice. From that moment, it became a beloved tradition among Predators fans. It all started in 2003 when a fan threw a catfish onto the ice at a playoff game. Predator’s Fans and their Traditions: Nashville Predators fans are known for their unique traditions, and the catfish toss is one of them. The Significance of the Catfish to Nashville Predators Fans Today, the tradition continues to be a staple at hockey games and is one of the many reasons why hockey fans are considered some of the most passionate in all of sports. Minor league teams and college teams across the country have adopted the tradition, further cementing the catfish toss as a beloved part of hockey culture. The tradition also spread beyond the NHL. For example, fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins would throw mini plastic penguins onto the ice during games, while fans of the Vancouver Canucks would toss stuffed orca whales. This added a unique and quirky twist to the tradition and made for some unforgettable moments in hockey history.Īs the tradition grew in popularity, it also became a way for fans to show support for their team. Other fans across the league started throwing various types of seafood such as squid, octopus, and even lobster. The Florida Panthers had a panther thrown onto the ice, and the San Jose Sharks had a shark. This sparked a newfound interest in the tradition and many other arenas across the league followed suit. In 2003, a group of Nashville Predators fans took the tradition to the next level by throwing a catfish onto the ice during the playoffs. How the Tradition Spread to Other Hockey ArenasĪfter its beginnings in Detroit, the catfish toss quickly became a hit and spread to other arenas. In 2017, Jacob Waddell, a Nashville Predators fan, drove over nine hours to Pittsburgh to throw a catfish onto the ice during the Stanley Cup Final game against the Penguins, continuing the tradition. The infamous catfish toss became a tradition at Detroit Red Wings games, with fans sneaking in dead fish under their clothing and throwing them onto the ice during games. The Cusimano brothers explained that the fish represented the Predators’ mascot, and the gesture was meant to taunt the opposing team. However, in 2002, a couple of Detroit Red Wings fans, brothers Pete and Jerry Cusimano, decided to take it to the next level by throwing a catfish on the ice during a playoff game against the Nashville Predators. The crowd went wild, and the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup that year. In 1995, a Detroit Red Wings fan named Pete ‘The Greek’ Sikaras threw a dead octopus on the ice during the playoffs to represent the eight wins required to win the Stanley Cup, which was a common tradition during that era. The Infamous Catfish Toss by Detroit Red Wings Fan While some teams have tried to crack down on the practice, it remains a beloved tradition for many fans. Today, catfish throwing is a well-known tradition in the hockey world, and fans continue to find new and creative ways to smuggle catfish into the arena and onto the ice. The tradition of throwing catfish onto the ice may seem strange to outsiders, but to hockey fans, it is a way of showing support for their team and adding an extra level of excitement to the game. The act became so popular that it eventually spread to other teams and other cities, becoming a staple of hockey culture. The tradition quickly caught on, with fans of the Nashville Predators throwing catfish onto the ice at every game. ![]()
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