In hockey, a hat trick is the ultimate spotlight moment for any player: scoring three goals in a single game. It’s a feat that sends fans into a frenzy, quite literally. Once that third puck finds the back of the net, hats of all shapes and sizes come flying onto the ice—a celebratory tradition that connects fans and players in a uniquely visceral way.
The History of the Hat Trick
The term “hat trick” didn’t start in hockey—it’s borrowed from cricket. Back in 1858, a bowler who snagged three wickets in three consecutive balls was celebrated with a collection of money used to buy him a hat. Fast forward to hockey in the mid-20th century, and hats were taking on a more symbolic role.
One popular origin story comes from 1946, when Alex Kaleta of the Chicago Black Hawks struck a deal with a Toronto hat store owner. Kaleta, in need of a fedora, was promised the hat if he could score three goals against the Maple Leafs that night. Kaleta overdelivered with four goals, and the hat trick lore began.
Another tale ties the tradition to the Biltmore Hat Company, which awarded new fedoras to players on the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters junior team for scoring three goals in a game.
The first official NHL hat trick predates those stories, though. On December 19, 1917, Harry Hyland of the Montreal Wanderers put up five goals against the Toronto Arenas, etching his name into hockey history.
Types of Hat Tricks
Not all hat tricks are created equal. They come in different varieties, each with its own flair and level of difficulty.
Natural Hat Trick
This is when a player scores three consecutive goals in one game, with no other goals scored by anyone else in between. It’s rare, but Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Black Hawks pulled off the fastest natural hat trick in NHL history in just 21 seconds back in 1952. Blink, and you’d miss it.
Texas Hat Trick
Scoring four goals in a game elevates you to Texas-sized greatness. Icons like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux are tied for the NHL record with 13 Texas hat tricks each.
Double Hat Trick
Scoring six goals in one game? It’s practically legendary. Only eight double hat tricks have ever been recorded in NHL history. The most recent came in 1976, courtesy of Darryl Sittler of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who also had four assists in that historic performance.
Even more remarkable is Joe Malone, who notched two double hat tricks in 1920.
Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Named after the legendary Gordie Howe, this variation isn’t about goals alone. To achieve it, a player needs a goal, an assist, and a fighting major in the same game. Despite the name, Howe himself only accomplished this feat twice in his storied career. Meanwhile, Rick Tocchet sits atop the leaderboard with 18 Gordie Howe hat tricks.
Famous Hat Tricks and Celebrations
The names of hockey greats are often tied to memorable hat tricks. Think Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Brett Hull, who collectively made scoring three or more goals in a game feel almost routine.
The celebrations, however, are anything but routine. When a hat trick happens, expect a sea of hats to hit the ice. Players often respond by raising their sticks to acknowledge the roaring crowd. For fans, it’s a small sacrifice of a beloved cap in exchange for being part of something bigger.
And let’s not forget the media fanfare. Hat tricks draw headlines, highlight reels, and endless debate on sports talk shows. It’s a moment players—and fans—never forget.
Hat Trick Records
Some records in hockey feel untouchable, and hat tricks are no exception.
- Most Career Hat Tricks: Wayne Gretzky (50)
- Most Career Texas Hat Tricks: Gretzky and Lemieux (13 each)
- Most Career Gordie Howe Hat Tricks: Rick Tocchet (18)
- Fastest Natural Hat Trick: Bill Mosienko (21 seconds)
- Youngest Player to Score a Hat Trick: Jordan Staal, who was just 18 years and 153 days old
Hat Tricks and Fantasy Hockey
For fantasy hockey enthusiasts, hat tricks are pure gold. Players who can light the lamp multiple times in a single game can single-handedly win you a matchup.
Some active players worth watching include:
- Alexander Ovechkin with 31 career hat tricks, proving he’s still one of the game’s most prolific scorers.
- David Pastrnak (17), whose offensive prowess keeps Boston fans—and fantasy managers—smiling.
- Auston Matthews (13), a scoring machine in Toronto.
- Connor McDavid (12), the generational talent who seems to break records every season.
The Final Horn
In hockey, a hat trick isn’t just a milestone—it’s a statement. Whether you’re watching from the stands, cheering at home, or managing your fantasy roster, those three goals mean so much more than the sum of their parts.