Remember when Florida Panthers fans rained down rubber rats throughout the 1995-96 season and in the Stanley Cup Final when Patrick Roy was in net at Miami Arena?
Fast forward to 2019, and the Panthers are experiencing rodent issues at their practice facility, known as the Florida Panthers Ice Den.
According to ABC Local 10 in Florida, six violations were filled on report after rodent droppings were found multiple areas, including the kitchen and bar.
"Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 4 droppings on corner of door next to storage area. 4 droppings on corner of soda gun shelves More than 5 on shelves under three compartment sink. 2 in cabinet where coffee containers are stored. This area is located in different room as kitchen and prep area. 2 droppings located near front counter were drink cooler is located. 4 droppings upstairs at bar next to beer walk in cooler. 2 dry droppings near shelf in bar storage."
If only Scott Mellanby and his one-timer were present.
Mellanby was responsible for the rubber rats being hucked on to the ice. In the team's third season in the NHL, Mellanby saw a rat attempt to run across the dressing room prior to the team's home opener on October 8, 1995.
In that game, he tallied two goals, prompting goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck to coin it as the "rat trick."
Whenever Mellanby lit the lamp going forward, rubber rats were thrown onto the ice.
This forced the NHL to step in and make a rule up that would penalize the home team if fans threw objects onto the ice surface and caused a delay.
In 2012, the Panthers won their first playoff game since 1997 season, opening the door for the return of the rubber rats.
