Matthew Tkachuk, a forward for the Florida Panthers, recently made headlines for his decision to touch the Prince of Wales trophy after the team’s victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals. This decision may seem insignificant to some, but it actually goes against a long-standing superstition in the hockey world.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the Prince of Wales trophy is awarded to the Eastern Conference champion in the NHL playoffs. However, it is widely believed that touching the trophy before winning the Stanley Cup can bring bad luck. This belief stems from the fact that many teams who have touched the trophy before winning the Cup have gone on to lose in the finals.
Despite this superstition, Tkachuk and his teammates decided to touch the trophy after their win over the Lightning. In an interview with NHL.com, Tkachuk explained that he and his teammates wanted to embrace the moment and celebrate their accomplishment.
“We’re not superstitious,” Tkachuk said. “We’re just going to enjoy this moment and touch it and take some pictures with it. We’re not worried about any of that stuff.”
Tkachuk’s decision to touch the trophy may seem bold, but it is actually a refreshing change from the superstitious mindset that often dominates the hockey world. While superstitions can be fun and add to the mystique of the game, they can also be limiting and prevent players from fully enjoying their accomplishments.
In fact, Tkachuk’s decision to touch the trophy may have actually helped his team’s performance in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Panthers went on to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games.
Of course, it’s impossible to say whether or not Tkachuk’s decision to touch the trophy had any impact on his team’s success. But what is clear is that he and his teammates were able to enjoy their moment in the spotlight without being weighed down by superstitions.
In the end, Tkachuk’s decision to touch the Prince of Wales trophy serves as a reminder that sometimes it’s important to break from tradition and embrace the moment. Whether you’re a hockey player or just someone trying to achieve a goal, it’s important to celebrate your accomplishments and not let superstitions hold you back.
