Know why do the Golden Knights fans throw flamingos on the ice to celebrate a win
At FLA Live Arena, the Panthers have had a long-standing custom of tossing fake rats into the ice since 1996. However, Florida isn’t the only club in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final with supporters that toss objects onto the ice following a victory.
Explained why do Vegas Golden Knights fans throw flamingos on the ice and celebration meaning and history
Given that the team is participating in the championship series for the second time in six seasons, the Golden Knights movement is gaining momentum. At T-Mobile Arena, supporters occasionally throw pink plastic birds onto the ice following Golden Knights victories, adding to the NHL tradition of celebrating victories by tossing objects.
a flamingo in a sea full of rats 🦩😌 pic.twitter.com/ZEYDCQhaku
— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 11, 2023
With Vegas in the championship, flamingo sightings are increasing. The Golden Knights won Games 1 and 2 of their series against the Panthers, and now they are one victory away from winning their first Stanley Cup. The birds came down amid the bright lights. However, how did it all begin? The SportsGrail recounts how Vegas developed its peculiar culture.
Why do Golden Knights supporters toss flamingos into the ice?
Since Vegas’ inaugural NHL season in 2018, the flamingo custom has existed. In March 2018, Nashville native Drew Johnson made the choice to bring a pink plastic flamingo to a Golden Knights game. Johnson hoped to inspire the team going into the game against the Flames because they had lost their previous two games. He threw his flamingo into the ice as a result of the Golden Knights scoring first.
The custom quickly became popular. Vegas ultimately won the Western Conference and the Pacific Division that year. However, the Golden Knights’ loss to the Capitals in the championship game prevented the pink flamingo’s power from bringing about a Stanley Cup victory.
Why a flamingo, though?
According to Johnson, “It’s kitschy, it’s fun.” Since they have Flamingo Road and the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, but more than anything, it’s just colourful, simple to throw, and enjoyable. Kids can carry it to the rink and hurl it onto the ice.
Real and artificial animals are at the heart of a lot of NHL traditions. In this year’s Stanley Cup Final, The Red Wings have the octopus, the Predators have the catfish, and the Panthers have the plastic rats. With his anthem, Johnson has added another to the list. Even though it has a Twitter account, the victory flamingo isn’t just seen in Las Vegas. The vivid pink may be seen in away venues when the Golden Knights are in town, even if the fake birds aren’t tossed onto the ice.