Tag Archives: sharks

Shark Toss

Most hockey fans are familiar with a bizarre Detroit Red Wings tradition where fans of the team hurl octopus onto the ice after the Wings score a goal (usually in playoff games). This practice dates back to 1952, when a fan chucked a octopus in the rink to symbolize the 8 playoff wins it took to win the Stanley Cup (it now takes 16).

Fast-forward to Game 2 of the San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings 2010 playoff series. As a response to the long-standing Red Wings tradition, one dedicated San Jose fan tossed a 3-foot leopard shark with an octopus sewn into its mouth on the ice after the Sharks scored a 1st period goal. The most impressive part of the stunt is that the fish tosser smuggled the shark into the game by duct taping it to his leg. Very gross, but pretty funny.