Hockey players are a different breed—superstitious, particular, and sometimes just plain extra. The Florida Panthers recently spilled the beans on their quirkiest gear habits, and let’s just say… we have questions.
Aleksander Barkov: The “Whatever Works” King
Barkov keeps it simple—his skates and sticks are custom, but everything else? “Meh, whatever’s in stock.” He’s tried other stick curves but always comes back to his own. Basically, he’s the guy who orders the same thing at a restaurant every time because why risk it?
Sam Bennett: The Black Tape Conspiracy Theorist
Bennett’s dad once told him black tape “camouflages the puck.” And guess what? He still believes it. Either Dad was a hockey genius or the greatest troll in history. Either way, Sam’s not switching.
Jesper Boqvist: The “I Swear I’m Not Superstitious” Guy
Boqvist claims he’s not that superstitious… but then admits he’s used the same stick curve for nearly a decade and refuses to switch from white tape. Sure, Jesper. Totally not superstitious.
Jonah Gadjovich: The Tape Purist
Gadjovich has used black tape for 10 years. He’s tried white tape in practice, but it just feels wrong. We get it—like when you try to write with your non-dominant hand and suddenly forget how letters work.
A.J. Greer: The “Just Vibes” Dude
Greer doesn’t have superstitions—just mental rituals. Before games, he stares at the scoreboard and reminds himself, “You’re in the NHL, let’s go.” Meanwhile, the rest of us need motivational speeches just to get out of bed.
Spencer Knight: The Goalie Who Copies His Mentor
Knight uses the same paddle grip as Sergei Bobrovsky because, well, if it works for Bob, why mess with it? Smart move—like using your friend’s Netflix password instead of paying.
Anton Lundell: The Left Side First Fanatic
Lundell always tapes his stick the same way and puts on his left gear before his right. If he accidentally starts with the right, does the universe collapse? We may never know.
Eetu Luostarinen: The “I Like It Worn Out” Guy
Eetu refuses to use new gear because he prefers it broken in. So basically, he’s that person who wears the same hoodie for five years because it’s “finally comfortable.”
Niko Mikkola: The Tape Color Truther
Mikkola always ties his left skate first and uses black tape because he thinks white tape is for “skilled guys” and he doesn’t see himself that way. Niko, buddy, you’re in the NHL. You’re plenty skilled.
Evan Rodrigues: The “Change It Up When I’m in a Funk” Rebel
Most players stick to routines, but Rodrigues switches gear when he’s slumping. Bold strategy—like rearranging your furniture mid-exam week to “change your luck.”
Mackie Samoskevich: The Tape Snob
Mackie gets a fresh tape job every period and cuts the thumbs out of his gloves. Because, apparently, regular gloves are too mainstream.
Nate Schmidt: The OCD Dresser
Schmidt has a meticulous gear order: cup, belt, shin pads, socks, breezers, skates, shoulders, elbows, wrist guards, sweater, then helmet. If he skips a step, does he have to start over? Asking for a friend.
Carter Verhaeghe: The Equipment Flip-Flopper
Verhaeghe keeps trying new gear… but always goes back to the old stuff. He’s like that person who swears they’ll start eating healthy tomorrow but ends up ordering pizza at midnight.
Final Thoughts
Hockey players are creatures of habit, and the Panthers are no exception. Whether it’s tape color, gear order, or refusing to use anything not broken in, these guys have their routines locked down.
Now, if only we could apply this level of dedication to our New Year’s resolutions…