What Is a Hat Trick in Hockey?

A hat trick is one of the most exciting accomplishments a player can achieve during a hockey game. A hat trick occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. These goals can happen at any time during the game, whether in the first period, second period, third period, or even overtime.

Scoring three goals in one game is difficult, which is why hat tricks are celebrated by players, teammates, and fans.

Why It’s Called a Hat Trick

The tradition of the hat trick dates back many years in hockey history. When a player scores their third goal of the game, fans in the arena often throw their hats onto the ice to celebrate the achievement.

Arena staff then collect the hats before the game continues. This tradition has become one of the most recognizable celebrations in the sport.

Different Types of Hat Tricks

While any three goals in a game count as a hat trick, hockey fans sometimes recognize special variations:

• Natural hat trick – When a player scores three consecutive goals without another player scoring in between.

• Gordie Howe hat trick – When a player records a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.

Hat tricks happen at every level of hockey, from youth leagues all the way to the National Hockey League, where the celebration of hats flying onto the ice has become an iconic part of the game.

Why Hat Tricks Are So Special

Scoring one goal in hockey is already challenging due to strong defense and skilled goaltending. Scoring three in a single game shows that a player had an exceptional performance and made a major impact on the outcome of the game.

Because of this, hat tricks remain one of the most celebrated achievements in hockey.