The History of the Playoff Beard
Playoff beard tradition in NHL continues to grow
It’s hard to blame these Bruins for not knowing exactly. One of hockey’s most celebrated — and itchy — traditions has unceremonious roots.
“It began in about 1980 with the beginning of the New York Islanders dynasty,” said Stan Fischler, a longtime hockey historian, author, and broadcaster.
Fischler, who sports a year-long thick white beard, covered the Islanders throughout their four Stanley Cups and record 19 straight playoff series wins.
“It wasn’t a formal announcement or proclamation to the league,” Fischler said. “It wasn’t even picked up by the media at first. Just an occasional beard here and there. Then more and more guys started doing it. Then other teams picked up on it over the years.”
Really, that’s it?
