Up in The Rafters
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Up in The Rafters
What Is a Hat Trick in Hockey? I Counted 485 NHL Hat Tricks
A hat trick in hockey is three goals by one player in one game, and fans celebrate by throwing hats on the ice. Here's what counts, the natural and Gordie Howe versions, where the name came from, and what 485 NHL hat tricks over five full seasons show, including how many were finished into an empty net.
About Up in The Rafters
Up in The Rafters is an independent sports publication built by lifelong fans who care about context as much as headlines. We cover MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, golf, and more with a mix of data-backed analysis, historical perspective, and firsthand fan insight. Our goal is simple: publish clear explainers, sharp commentary, and useful reporting that helps readers understand the game beyond the final score.
Meet our writers on the author pages, where we share bios, backgrounds, and the work each contributor brings to the site.
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