What is a Natural Hat Trick in Hockey?

Last updated on November 3rd, 2023 at 05:28 pm

A natural hat trick occurs when an ice hockey player scores three consecutive goals in a single game. A natural hat trick can occur across multiple periods as long as nobody else scores goals, including having one in an overtime period. However, a natural hat trick does not take place if the goal comes from a shootout. An example would be if a player had two goals during regular play and then got the third goal during a shootout.

So, what happens when a natural hat trick occurs during a hockey game? What is the origin of the natural hat trick in hockey? How rare is this accomplishment in hockey? Who has the most in NHL history? Has anyone got the natural hat trick during an NHL playoff game? What is it called when someone scores for goals in a row in a hockey game?

Here is the complete breakdown of a natural hat trick in hockey.

Table of Contents

What Happens When a Natural Hat Trick Takes Place?

When a home hockey team player scores three uninterrupted goals, home fans throw their hats on the ice. However, fans can throw other things on the ice to celebrate the hat trick. For example, fans of the Nashville Predators will throw a catfish on the ice, while the Detroit Red Wings will throw an octopus.

Most teams in the National Hockey League do something different, which makes catching a natural hat trick exciting when you visit various venues.

How Rare is It?

According to The Hockey Writers, the hockey hat trick occurs in less than 8 percent of games. To put that in perspective, shutouts in hockey happen over 12 percent of the time. A shutout means that one of the teams playing scored no goals during the game. That means you are pretty lucky if you are at a game and catch a natural hat trick!

As of March 2nd, 2023, Kirill Kaprizov has the most recent natural hat trick. He got his hat trick during overtime. Check out the full article from The Athletic to get the complete breakdown of this accomplishment.

Who has the Most?

Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record for most natural hat tricks with fifty. Sometimes NHL players and fans will even call a hat trick the “Wayne Gretzky Hat Trick” since his name is synonymous with this feat. The most hat tricks that Wayne Gretzky had in one season was ten, which he did twice in his career. He had ten hat tricks twice with the Edmonton Oilers.

What is the Gordie Howe Hat Trick?

Most hockey fans will be familiar with the Natural Hat Trick saying, but what about the Gordie Howe Hat Trick? The Gordie Howe Hat Trick occurs when a player scores a goal, collects an assist, and fights in the same game. A “Double Gordie” happens when two opposing team players accomplish this feat.

Check out this link from NBC Sports to see the most up-to-date Gordie Howe Hat Tricks during the season.

What Happens if you Score Four Goals in Hockey?

You get the Texas Hat Trick if you score four goals during a hockey game. Sometimes the phrase is called the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Conclusion: What is a Natural Hat Trick in Hockey

Catching a hockey game that results in a natural hat trick is rare and exciting. Home hockey fans and players recognize what took place and will figuratively and literally shower the player with praise for their accomplishments. Another exciting thing about the hat trick is how each home stadium does something different to recognize the player. Some teams will throw hats on the ice, while others will throw some seafood!