What Is a Hat Trick in Hockey?

A hat trick in hockey occurs when a single player scores three goals in one game. It is one of the most celebrated achievements in ice hockey, often marked by fans throwing their hats onto the ice in celebration. The hat trick represents a significant individual accomplishment that demonstrates exceptional skill, scoring ability, and dominance during a single match.

The basic definition is straightforward: three goals by one player in a single game. However, there are important nuances to understand. Shootout goals do not count toward a hat trick—only goals scored during regular play, overtime, or the main portion of a game. Similarly, assists do not count; only goals scored directly by the player contribute to the hat trick total.

Why Is It Called a "Hat Trick"?

The term "hat trick" has a fascinating origin story that predates hockey by several decades. Contrary to what many assume, the hat trick tradition did not begin in ice hockey but rather in cricket. In 1858, a bowler named H.H. Stephenson, playing for an all-England squad against a team from Hallam in Sheffield, achieved three consecutive wickets. The accomplishment was so impressive that spectators took up a collection and used the money to purchase a hat as a gift to Stephenson in recognition of his feat.

The cricket term eventually migrated to other sports, including ice hockey. However, the modern popularization of "hat trick" in hockey is credited to a Toronto businessman and haberdasher named Sammy Taft. In 1946, a Chicago Blackhawks forward named Alex Kaleta visited Taft's hat shop before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kaleta admired a fashionable grey fedora with a silk band but couldn't afford it. Taft made him an offer: if Kaleta scored three goals that night against the Leafs, he could have the hat for free.

What happened next became hockey legend. Not only did Kaleta score three goals—he scored four in a 6-5 loss at Maple Leaf Gardens. The story generated significant media attention, and Taft decided to continue offering free hats to any player who scored three goals in a game at Maple Leaf Gardens. The practice caught on, fans began throwing hats onto the ice in celebration, and the tradition spread throughout the NHL and beyond.

Why Do Fans Throw Hats on the Ice?

The tradition of throwing hats onto the ice is directly linked to the hat trick's origin story. Since the term originated from a hat shop promotion, throwing hats became the natural way for fans to celebrate a player's three-goal achievement. Over time, this spontaneous celebration became formalized as an NHL tradition, now expected and anticipated whenever a hat trick occurs.

Throwing hats serves multiple purposes: it's a visual spectacle, an expression of excitement, a tribute to the player's accomplishment, and a nod to the sport's rich history. The practice is so embedded in hockey culture that games are temporarily halted while arena staff collect the hats from the ice. In some cases, teams donate collected hats to charity, turning the celebration into a charitable gesture.

How Did the Hat Trick Tradition Start in Hockey?

Cricket Origins and the First Hat Trick (1858)

The hat trick concept originated in cricket, not hockey. On June 24, 1858, bowler H.H. Stephenson (full name: Heathfield Harman Stephenson) was playing for an all-England team against a local Hallam club at Hyde Park Cricket Grounds in Sheffield. Stephenson achieved three consecutive wickets—a remarkable feat that impressed spectators so much they took up a collection to purchase him a new hat. This gesture of recognition established the tradition of associating the "hat trick" with three significant achievements.

Cricket historians note that Stephenson's accomplishment was genuinely exceptional for the era. Taking three consecutive wickets required skill, precision, and a degree of luck, making it a memorable moment in the sport's early history. The hat gift became a symbol of respect and recognition, and the term "hat trick" was born.

The Sammy Taft and Alex Kaleta Story (1946)

The popularization of "hat trick" in professional hockey is credited to an event in Toronto in January 1946. According to the Hockey Hall of Fame's official account, Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex Kaleta visited a Toronto haberdashery (hat shop) owned by Sammy Taft before a game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kaleta had recently returned to professional hockey after serving in World War II with the Canadian military and was still rebuilding his career. He spotted a stylish grey fedora with a silk band but didn't have enough money to purchase it. When Taft learned of Kaleta's situation, he made an unconventional offer: score three goals that night against the Maple Leafs, and the hat would be his for free.

The odds seemed heavily stacked against Kaleta. The Maple Leafs were the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Blackhawks had finished fifth in the standings, and Kaleta was not a marquee player. Yet Kaleta rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations. He scored four goals against Toronto in a 6-5 loss at Maple Leaf Gardens on January 26, 1946—a performance that generated significant media attention and cemented the connection between hat tricks and hat shops.

Taft's promotional gamble paid off tremendously. The publicity surrounding "Alex Kaleta's hat trick" was so positive that Taft decided to continue offering free hats to any player who scored three goals in a game at Maple Leaf Gardens. The tradition grew, other hat shops took notice, and the practice eventually evolved from a promotional gimmick into a core hockey tradition.

Alternative Origins and Regional Stories

While the Sammy Taft story is the most widely recognized, other origin stories exist. A Montreal men's hat shop named Henri Henri, established in 1932, claims to have also promoted the hat trick tradition. Between 1950 and 1970, Henri Henri rewarded players who scored three goals at the Montreal Forum with free hats. The store says Hockey Hall of Famers Maurice Richard, Elmer Lach, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita are among those who received hats during that era.

Another version credits a hat store in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, with originating the tradition in the early 1900s. According to this account, a local player named Alex Moffat scored three goals, and the hat store owner made good on a promise to provide a free hat.

Additionally, some sources indicate that the term "hat trick" was already appearing in NHL newspapers as early as the 1930s and 1940s, suggesting the tradition may have developed gradually rather than through a single defining moment. Regardless of which origin story is most accurate, the consensus is that hat tricks became firmly established in hockey culture during the 1940s–1950s and have remained a celebrated tradition ever since.

How the Tradition Spread Globally

From its roots in Toronto and Montreal during the 1940s–1950s, the hat trick tradition spread throughout the NHL and eventually to hockey leagues worldwide. What began as a promotional marketing tool by hat shop owners evolved into an organic fan celebration. By the 1960s and 1970s, throwing hats onto the ice had become an expected and beloved part of hockey culture.

The tradition's spread was aided by television coverage, which brought hockey into millions of homes. When viewers saw fans celebrating hat tricks by throwing hats, the practice became normalized and replicated in other arenas. International hockey competitions, from Olympic Games to World Championships, also adopted the tradition, further cementing it as a global hockey custom.

Today, whenever a player scores three goals in a game, fans instinctively throw their hats onto the ice, regardless of the league, country, or level of play. The tradition has transcended its commercial origins to become a genuine expression of hockey fandom and appreciation for individual excellence.

What Are the Different Types of Hat Tricks?

While a "hat trick" technically refers to any three goals scored by one player in a single game, hockey culture has developed several variations and specialized terms. Understanding these distinctions is important for fans and those interested in hockey betting.

Standard Hat Trick

A standard hat trick is simply three goals scored by one player in a single game. There are no additional requirements: the goals do not need to be consecutive, they do not need to occur in any particular order, and they can be spread throughout the game. A player could score one goal in the first period, one in the second, and one in the third and still have a hat trick.

Standard hat tricks are the most common type and the baseline definition used in most contexts, including player statistics and betting markets. They represent a significant individual achievement but are less rare than some other variations.

Natural Hat Trick

A natural hat trick is a more impressive variation in which a player scores three consecutive goals without any other player (from either team) scoring in between. This means the player's three goals occur back-to-back, with no interruption from teammates or opponents.

Natural hat tricks are considered more dominant and skillful than standard hat tricks because they demonstrate sustained offensive excellence within a compressed timeframe. They are rarer and more memorable. One of the most famous natural hat tricks in NHL history was achieved by Bill Mosienko on March 23, 1952, when he scored three consecutive goals in just 21 seconds—a record that still stands as the fastest hat trick in NHL history.

Gordie Howe Hat Trick

A Gordie Howe hat trick is a unique and unconventional achievement named after the legendary Detroit Red Wings player. It consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight—all in the same game. Rather than requiring three goals like a traditional hat trick, a Gordie Howe hat trick combines three different statistical categories that represent different aspects of hockey play.

The Gordie Howe hat trick is rare because it requires a player to be both an offensive contributor (goal and assist) and a physical/aggressive player willing to engage in a fight. Modern NHL hockey, with its emphasis on skill and its stricter enforcement of fighting penalties, has made Gordie Howe hat tricks even less common than they were in earlier eras. When one does occur, it generates significant attention and is considered a notable achievement.

Texas Hat Trick

A Texas hat trick is simply four goals scored by one player in a single game. The name is a playful reference to the phrase "everything is bigger in Texas," suggesting that in Texas, even hat tricks are bigger. While not an official NHL statistic, the term is used colloquially by fans and commentators.

Scoring four goals in a game is genuinely impressive and rare. It represents a level of dominance and scoring prowess that few players achieve even once in their careers.

Supernatural Hat Trick

A supernatural hat trick (or "super hat trick") refers to five or more goals scored by one player in a single game. This is an extraordinarily rare achievement. In modern NHL history, it is nearly unheard of. However, in hockey's earlier eras, before goaltending and defensive strategies became more sophisticated, such performances occasionally occurred.

One of the most famous examples is Joe Malone, who scored six goals in a single game on January 31, 1920, during the early days of the NHL. Malone holds the NHL record for most goals in a single game.

What Are the Official Rules for a Hat Trick?

Understanding the official rules and requirements for a hat trick is important, especially for those interested in betting on hat trick outcomes.

Goals That Count Toward a Hat Trick

Only goals scored during regular play count toward a hat trick. This is a critical distinction. Goals scored in the following situations do not count:

• Shootout goals: Goals scored during a shootout round do not count toward a hat trick
• Penalty shot goals: While sometimes debated, penalty shot goals in overtime may not count depending on league rules
• Overtime sudden-death goals: In some contexts, overtime goals scored after sudden-death begins may not count

Goals that do count include those scored during:

• Regular game time (first, second, and third periods)
• Overtime (before sudden-death, in leagues where this applies)
• Playoff games
• International competitions

The exclusion of shootout goals is particularly important for betting purposes, as many modern NHL games are decided by shootout. A player could score the game-winning goal in a shootout but would not receive credit toward a hat trick for that goal.

Only Goals Count—Assists Do Not

A critical rule is that only goals count toward a standard hat trick. Assists, even multiple assists, do not contribute to a hat trick total. A player could record five assists in a game but would not have a hat trick unless they scored three goals.

This distinction is important because it differentiates a hat trick from other statistical achievements. Some players are prolific playmakers and may rack up assists without scoring many goals. A hat trick specifically recognizes goal-scoring prowess.

The one exception is the Gordie Howe hat trick, which specifically requires an assist (along with a goal and a fight).

Timing and Game Context

A hat trick must occur within a single game. Goals cannot be accumulated across multiple games. If a player scores two goals in one game and one goal in the next game, they do not have a hat trick.

Hat tricks can occur in:

• Regular season games
• Playoff games
• International competitions (Olympic Games, World Championships)
• All-star games (though less common)

There is no distinction in hat trick recognition based on opponent strength, game importance, or any other context. A hat trick is a hat trick, whether scored against a strong team or a weak team, in a playoff game or a regular season game.

Hat Trick Records and Notable Achievements

Most Hat Tricks in NHL History

Wayne Gretzky, widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, holds the NHL record for most hat tricks with an astonishing 50 hat tricks over his career. This record underscores Gretzky's exceptional scoring ability and dominance throughout his playing years.

Other prolific hat trick scorers in NHL history include:

These players represent the elite goal-scorers in hockey history. Their high hat trick totals reflect not just individual skill but also the opportunity to play on successful teams and compete in high-scoring eras.

Most Hat Tricks in a Single Season

The NHL record for most hat tricks in a single season was set during the 2017–2018 season, when 81 hat tricks were recorded across all official NHL games. This represents a significant number and reflects the high-scoring nature of modern hockey.

Season-to-season hat trick totals vary based on offensive trends, rule changes, and goaltending performance. Generally, seasons with more goal-scoring activity see higher hat trick counts.

Fastest Hat Trick in NHL History

The record for the fastest hat trick in NHL history belongs to Bill Mosienko, who scored three consecutive goals in just 21 seconds on March 23, 1952, while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks against the New York Rangers. This remarkable feat has stood for over 70 years and remains one of hockey's most impressive individual records.

Mosienko's 21-second hat trick is a natural hat trick by definition, as the three goals were consecutive with no other scoring in between. The speed at which he accomplished this feat makes it legendary in hockey lore.

Notable Modern Hat Tricks and Achievements

In recent years, several players have achieved notable hat tricks:

• Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) has recorded multiple hat tricks and continues to add to his total
• Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) has scored over 30 hat tricks in his career and remains one of the most prolific goal-scorers
• Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) scored a historic four-goal game in his NHL debut on October 12, 2016—a rare feat

These modern examples demonstrate that hat tricks remain achievable and celebrated in contemporary hockey, despite the evolution of defensive strategies and goaltending techniques.

Hat Tricks in Hockey Betting and Player Props

For sports bettors and those interested in hockey wagering, hat tricks represent a specific and valuable betting market.

Hat Trick Betting Markets

Hat trick bets are a popular form of player prop betting in hockey. Sportsbooks offer odds on whether a specific player will score a hat trick in an upcoming game. These bets are typically offered as "anytime hat trick scorer" markets, meaning the player simply needs to score three goals at any point during the game.

Hat trick bets appeal to bettors because they:

• Offer higher odds and greater payouts than simpler bets
• Allow bettors to focus on individual player performance
• Provide a clear, objective outcome (either the player scores three goals or they don't)
• Are available for most games and most players

Odds and Payouts

Hat trick betting odds vary significantly based on the player's recent form, historical performance, the opponent's defensive strength, and other factors. As noted in the original glossary entry, hat trick odds often pay 15.00 or higher, reflecting the difficulty and relative rarity of the achievement.

A player in exceptional form playing against a weak defensive team might have odds of 10.00–15.00, while a more modest scorer or one facing a strong defense might have odds of 25.00–50.00 or higher. Elite scorers like Connor McDavid or Alex Ovechkin might have lower odds on any given night, while role players or less prolific scorers would have much higher odds.

The odds reflect the probability that the sportsbook estimates for a given player to score three goals. Higher odds indicate lower estimated probability and higher potential payout.

How to Evaluate Hat Trick Bets

When considering a hat trick bet, several factors should be evaluated:

1. Player Form: Is the player currently scoring at a high rate? Recent performance is often predictive of future performance.

2. Opponent Defense: How strong is the opposing team's defense? Weaker defenses are more likely to allow multiple goals.

3. Team Strength: Is the player on a strong offensive team? Teams that score frequently create more opportunities for individual players.

4. Historical Performance: How many hat tricks has the player scored in their career? Some players are naturally more prolific goal-scorers.

5. Game Context: Is this a playoff game or regular season? Home or away? Some players perform better in specific contexts.

6. Goaltending: Who is the opposing goaltender? Some goalies have higher goals-against averages or are more vulnerable to multiple goals from individual players.

7. Betting Odds: Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks. Odds can vary, and finding the best value is important for long-term betting success.

Hat trick bets are inherently speculative and carry higher risk than more conservative bets. However, the higher odds reflect the potential for significant payouts if the bet hits.

Related Betting Markets

Hat trick bets are part of a broader ecosystem of hockey player prop bets. Related markets include:

• Anytime Goalscorer: Will the player score at least one goal? (Lower odds, higher probability)
• Exact Goals: Will the player score exactly 1, 2, 3, or more goals? (Varying odds)
• First Goal Scorer: Will the player score the first goal of the game? (Specific odds)
• Goals + Assists: Combined production in goals and assists
• Player Shots on Goal: How many shots will the player take?

Understanding these related markets helps bettors develop a more comprehensive approach to hockey wagering and player performance prediction.

Common Misconceptions About Hat Tricks

Several misconceptions exist about hat tricks, and clarifying these is important for fans and bettors alike.

Misconception 1: "Shootout Goals Count Toward a Hat Trick"

This is false. Goals scored during a shootout do not count toward a hat trick. Only goals scored during regular play, overtime (in applicable leagues), and playoff games count. This is a critical distinction, especially for betting purposes, as many modern NHL games are decided by shootout.

Misconception 2: "A Hat Trick Requires Consecutive Goals"

This is only true for a natural hat trick. A standard hat trick can consist of three goals scored at any time during a game, whether consecutive or spread across the entire game. A player could score one goal in the first period, one in the second, and one in the third and still have a standard hat trick.

Misconception 3: "Assists Count Toward a Hat Trick"

Assists do not count toward a standard hat trick. Only goals count. A player could record multiple assists without having a hat trick unless they also score three goals. The exception is the Gordie Howe hat trick, which specifically includes an assist.

Misconception 4: "Hat Tricks Are Very Rare"

While hat tricks are certainly special achievements, they are not extraordinarily rare in modern NHL hockey. In a typical season, there are dozens of hat tricks across all games. However, for any individual player, scoring a hat trick is still a notable and relatively uncommon event.

Misconception 5: "Only Home Players Can Score Hat Tricks"

This is false. Players from the visiting team can score hat tricks just as easily as home players. The tradition of fans throwing hats might be more pronounced when the home team player scores, but hat tricks are recognized regardless of which team the player represents.

Why Are Hat Tricks So Significant in Hockey?

Rarity and Difficulty

Scoring three goals in a single game is genuinely difficult, even for professional hockey players. Most players never score a hat trick in their entire careers. Even prolific goal-scorers might score only a handful of hat tricks over many years.

The difficulty stems from several factors:

• Opposing defenses work to shut down dangerous players
• Goaltenders are highly skilled and difficult to score on
• Teammates compete for scoring opportunities
• Fatigue and game flow can limit scoring chances

For a single player to score three goals requires exceptional skill, determination, and often some degree of favorable circumstances.

Cultural and Emotional Impact

Hat tricks hold a special place in hockey culture. The tradition of fans throwing hats onto the ice is instantly recognizable and creates a memorable moment. When a hat trick occurs, the game is temporarily halted, and the accomplishment is celebrated by the crowd, teammates, and commentators.

This cultural significance extends beyond the immediate game. Hat tricks become part of player legacy, team history, and hockey lore. Notable hat tricks are remembered and discussed for years or decades.

Player Recognition and Legacy

Hat tricks contribute to a player's statistical legacy and historical standing in the sport. Players with high hat trick totals are often remembered as prolific goal-scorers and are more likely to be considered for Hall of Fame induction. Wayne Gretzky's 50 hat tricks are part of his legendary status, as are the hat trick totals of other hockey greats.

For younger players, scoring hat tricks early in their careers can establish them as exciting, high-scoring talents and generate fan interest and media attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hat Tricks

Do shootout goals count toward a hat trick?

No. Goals scored during a shootout do not count toward a hat trick. Only goals scored during regular play and overtime (in applicable leagues) count. This is an important distinction for betting purposes.

What's the difference between a natural hat trick and a regular hat trick?

A natural hat trick consists of three consecutive goals with no other player scoring in between. A regular (standard) hat trick is simply three goals in one game, regardless of when they occur or whether other players score in between. Natural hat tricks are rarer and more impressive.

Who has scored the most hat tricks in NHL history?

Wayne Gretzky holds the record with 50 hat tricks over his career. Other prolific hat trick scorers include Mario Lemieux (40), Alex Ovechkin (30+), and Brett Hull (30+).

Can you get a hat trick in overtime?

Yes, you can score a hat trick in overtime, and those goals count. However, goals scored in a shootout (which may follow overtime in the NHL) do not count.

What is a Gordie Howe hat trick?

A Gordie Howe hat trick is an achievement consisting of a goal, an assist, and a fight—all in the same game. It's named after the legendary player Gordie Howe and is rare in modern hockey.

Has anyone ever scored 5 or more goals in a game?

Yes, though it is extraordinarily rare in modern NHL history. Joe Malone holds the NHL record with six goals in a single game on January 31, 1920. In contemporary hockey, five-goal games are extremely uncommon.

What are typical betting odds for a hat trick?

Hat trick betting odds typically range from 10.00 to 50.00 or higher, depending on the player's form, the opponent's defense, and other factors. Odds of 15.00 or higher are common for most players.

Why do fans throw hats on the ice?

The tradition originates from the term "hat trick" itself, which came from a hat shop promotion in 1946. When a player scores three goals, fans throw their hats onto the ice as a celebration of the achievement and a nod to the tradition's origins.

Related Terms

• First Goal Scorer
• Player Props
• Anytime Goalscorer