A Look at Some of the Oddest Superstitions in NHL History
This piece recounts unusual superstitions held by NHL players and teams throughout league history. It describes Patrick Roy talking to his goalposts and Glenn Hall forcing himself to vomit before games, among other rituals. The article also mentions habits tied to Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and team traditions.
Patrick Roy’s habit of addressing his goalposts reportedly started by chance during the 1986 postseason against Hartford. He believed the posts aided him, recalling an overtime slap shot that struck iron during a win. His career included four Stanley Cups and three Vezina Trophies.
Glenn Hall, called “Mr. Goalie,” made himself vomit before games, believing it helped him meet his own standards and handle pressure. He retired with 407 wins, three Vezinas, a Stanley Cup, and 1975 Hall of Fame induction. Eddie Belfour guarded his gear fiercely, even threatening anyone who touched it, and sometimes took apart his glove after poor play.
This retrospective may entertain hockey fans while offering a window into how athletes manage pressure. Goalies and other players could relate to pregame routines as psychological anchors, though readers may also recognize that some rituals, such as forced vomiting, should not be treated as healthy examples. Coaches, teams, and sports media might use such stories to discuss mental preparation, superstition, and team culture, potentially encouraging more open conversations about performance anxiety without presenting these behaviors as necessary for success.