Why is an octopus thrown on the ice at Detroit Red Wings hockey games?

Question

Do they do that at all Red Wings games? Who throws the octopus?

Answer 1

Back when the tradition started, the 8 tentacles on the octopus symbolized the 8 wins necessary to win the cup.

Not all games have an octopus thrown on the ice, but there are a lot come playoff time. The octopus is throw on the ice by one of the fans, who has to smug it into the arena veeeery carefully(probably in his pants)

Answer 2

It goes back to the fact that Detroit was one of the original 6 teams and back then you only needed 8 wins to get the cup.  Each tentacle on the octupus represents one win and over the years Al the Octopus just became a mascot for the Detroit Red Wings.

Here's a good article about the history of the octipus and the Wings:  http://proicehockey.about.com/od/history...

Answer 3

Look up Pete Cusimano.

Answer 4

Yeah. It's a tradition that started in the 50s and has been happening since. GO WINGS!

Answer 5

its a tradition

Answer 6

Hardcore stole my answer. This question is asked numerous times each day, along w/ the stupid "who will win the cup" questions. Don't mean to be rude, but a quick search would answer your question.

sweetness - octopus is quite tasty, although a little chewy!

Answer 7

i wish theyd throw shrimp so i can catch it and cook it for dinner instead

Answer 8

Because it easier to throw, than a dead horse!!!!

Answer 9

It goes back that Detroit was one of the original 6 teams and then you only needed 8 wins to get the cup. Each tentacle on the octupus represents one win.

On the 8th game of one of the stanley cup finals,one of the fans threw and octopus on the ice reprsenting the 8wins and good luck.It has been a tradition since

Answer 10

Wikipedia should prove helpful if you don't mind reading a lot:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Red...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_t...

Answer 11

How many times is this friggin question going to be asked? Look it up for yourself people!

Answer 12

Why is this question asked so many times??? just look it up in the "search for questions:" bar!!!