Why do Nashville Predators fans throw catfish at games?

Throwing catfish during hockey games is one of the weirdest traditions in the NHL. Why do Nashville Predators fans throw them and how did it start?

Without question, one of the weirdest traditions in the NHL is the throwing of catfish before (and sometimes even during) Nashville Predators games. The fans down there are passionate and they love to do it. But why in heaven’s name would someone throw a catfish?

Let’s take a look at how one of hockey’s strangest and most hilarious traditions began. Throwing animals on the ice is hardly a new thing. Detroit Red Wings fans are notorious for throwing octopi on the ice. This tradition started back in 1952, when a pair of brothers threw an octopus on the ice during a playoff run. The Wings wound up winning the Stanley Cup, so the tradition stuck.

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Back in 1995, the Florida Panthers had a locker-room incident involving a player killing a rat. Some of the fans heard about it. So at their next home game, the fans made it rain plastic rats. This tradition became famous due to the Panthers’ unlikely Stanley Cup Final appearance. Also, a delay of game penalty has been given because of all the rats thrown on the ice.

Fast forward to 2003. Maybe some Predators fans were sick of seeing octopi on the ice. Perhaps this was inspired by a visiting Red Wings fan throwing a water-dwelling creature on the ice in Nashville. But whatever the reason, a Predators had his Dee Snyder moment and decided he wasn’t going to take it anymore.

Nashville is known for several things. First of all, country music. But throwing guitars on the ice would get expensive. Also, they’re kind of heavy. Secondly, hot chicken. Now, there’s a good idea. Except why the heck would you throw hot chicken on the ice when you could just eat it? Also, it’s kind of messy. Ergo, it’s also hard to sneak into the arena.

Thirdly, Nashville is known for their catfish. Fried or broiled, it doesn’t matter. And they’re relatively cheap in Nashville. Plus, catfish are easy to sneak into the arena. The first catfish was thrown in 2003. Since then, the tradition has stuck.

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The Predators ice crew has become adept at cleaning up catfish. They’ve made it a rather easy process. And at times, it’s comical to watch. Especially if Predators fans decide to dress up their catfish before they throw it.