Maybe it is meant to get in the other teams head and distract them, or maybe it is just meant to keep the lucky streak alive. Regardless of the circumstance, playoff beards have become a nationwide phenomenon when athletes decide to grow one. The tradition of growing a beard and not shaving it throughout the playoffs started in the 1980’s with the New York Islanders. The idea of a playoff beard has expanded beyond just the NHL. Now, players in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and even collegiate/high school athletes participate in the trend. It is also a sign of support to your team if a fan participates and grows their own playoff beard.
Now, here are some pictures of some great playoff beards. This is an example of a playoff beard by Detroit Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg. In the Red Wings 2009 playoff run, many of the players grew beards as they adopted the saying, “The beard is back.”
Here is a picture of Mike Commodore of the Carolina Hurricanes. Commodore’s wild beard and crazy hair definitely pay tribute to the playoff beard tradition. It is clear that he was on a mission this year, and I am sure it intimidated many opposing players. Nothing screams I am willing to do whatever for my team more than this
next picture. Larry McDonald is shown holding up the Stanley Cup celebrating his victory with one of the most intimidating, intense red beards (to match the jersey) I have ever seen. With that beard, it looks like no one can, or is willing to, stop him from getting that trophy.Superstitions play a big part in some sports. Many athletes buy into some superstitions, especially during playoff time. A playoff beard is a sign to your team that you are willing to sacrifice to get the upper edge on the opponent. Games are affected by countless factors, and by growing a fierce beard, you can help your team to gain confidence and ultimately win a championship.
I completely believe in superstitions within athletic competitions. Playing sports all of my life, I have a routine of what I need to do before competing. In gymnastics and track I always bent down, legs straight, to touch my toes and took a deep breath. I think my ritual habbits showed a little intimidation tactic because it showed that I was ready. In soccer, I always tapped my foot on the ground before kicking or throwing a ball into play. I think by doing an action before actually competing gives the other team the sense that you mean business. This carries over to the beards in the playoffs. It shows the team's determination to win and their loyalty to the team.
ReplyDeleteAs someone of huge sports superstition, I am a huge supporter of the playoff beard. While I am not sure that it gives players any advantage whatsoever, it shows true pride and heart that players are willing to look like complete idiots and rather than being made fun of, they are embraced for their commitment to the team. NBA players are especially entertaining because there aren't any helmets like in the NHL or NFL and fans can see the true essence of the playoff beard. Guys around all leagues have traditional pregame meals and methods, especially when they are on the road, that allows them to focus on the game itself, just like every other day they play. While it may seem like nonsense to the non-sports fan, sports superstitions are a huge part of the industry that may not get enough coverage, because some pregame rituals of professional athletes would make for some great TV.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, great post! Ever since I was young I always looked forward to not only the playoffs, but the awesome beards that came with them. While I think the tradition started from superstition and that superstition is still there now, I think the best effect that these beards cause is the building of team chemistry. It's something that almost all the players on the team participate in and it keeps the competitive edge going even off the ice. Not only do players on different teams try to impress one another with their flashy beards, but also players within a team compete with each other for the best beard. I think this is one of the greatest traditions in sports because of this
ReplyDeleteThis post was really interesting to me, because as a huge New York Rangers fan, I have been grappling with the idea of not shaving the entire time that they are in the playoffs. I am one of the most superstitious people I know when it comes to sports. At every game I attend that isn't going the way of the team I support, I try and remember what I may have done different at past games. I have to sit in a certain seat when I go to New York Giants games with my dad, but can't watch games on TV with him. Although logically I know that whether or not I shave for the next month has no effect on how the Rangers play, I can't help but feel responsible if I were to shave and they were to immediately lose their next game. Is beard-growing really something that impresses or scares off opponents? Probably not, but its a superstition that is one of the great traditions of hockey, and I hope that it continues. Some players look truly ridiculous after two months of playoff hockey without shaving, and numerous parodies are made of some players looking biblical with beards down to their stomachs.
ReplyDelete- Alex Jacobs