Viktor E. Ratt Brings Laughs to Florida Panthers Games
The Florida Panthers mascots include Viktor E. Ratt, a unique second mascot born from one of hockey's most unusual fan traditions. Unlike most NHL teams, the Panthers celebrate a rat instead of just their obvious panther. This quirky mascot represents an unforgettable moment from 1995 that changed how fans experience Panthers hockey forever (and honestly, it's pretty weird in the best way).
How the rat tradition started with Scott Mellanby
On October 8, 1995, a live rat scurried into the Panthers' locker room before a game against Calgary. Captain Scott Mellanby killed it with his hockey stick and then scored two goals that night. Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck joked it was a "rat trick" - a clever play on the hockey term "hat trick."
Fans loved the story so much they started throwing plastic rats on the ice after Panthers goals. During the 1995-96 playoff run, the tradition exploded everywhere. The rat tosses became so frequent that the NHL briefly banned them. The Panthers even partnered with Orkin pest control to have workers collect plastic rats during games. That remarkable season ended with the Panthers reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history, which was pretty incredible.
Why Viktor E. Ratt matters to Panthers fans today
The team officially introduced Viktor E. Ratt as a mascot in 2007 and named him in 2014. Plastic rats still sell at games, and players sometimes keep them after important victories. Viktor appears alongside Stanley C. Panther at game-day events and community appearences, keeping the tradition alive for new and longtime fans.
Merchandise featuring Viktor E. Ratt connects modern fans to the team's historic 1996 run. The mascot represents something rare in sports - a genuine, organic fan tradition that became official team identity. Most NHL teams lack something so memorable and authentic (and original, too).
New Panthers fans often ask why their team has a rat mascot. The answer connects them to incredible team history and unexpected success. Veterans remember exactly where they were during that magical season. Viktor E. Ratt bridges both groups, serving as a living symbol of Panthers pride and the unpredictable magic that makes hockey unforgettable.
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