Ceremonial first puck
A guest of honor drops a puck to start the game.
The ceremonial first puck is a long-standing ice hockey tradition where a special guest drops a puck to signal the end of pregame activities and the start of the match. Similar to baseball’s ceremonial first pitch, this puck does not officially begin play; instead, it is collected and given back to the guest as a souvenir. In the NHL, the national anthem is typically performed before the puck drop.
The person chosen to drop the puck can be a notable figure—such as a dignitary, celebrity, or former player—a sponsor’s executive (especially if that company is behind the night’s promotional giveaway), or someone who earned the honor through a contest or current event. In minor leagues, multiple first puck drops are common; the honoree might simply pose at center ice with a commemorative puck without actually dropping it into a faceoff.
This ritual is also called the "ceremonial puck drop," with both terms highlighting that the focus is on the honoree rather than the competition for the puck. The ceremony involves the two opposing captains (sometimes including a goaltender) who face off in a non-confrontational way, as tradition dictates the home player always "wins" and presents the puck to the guest. The NHL’s official website uses "ceremonial first puck" about twice as often as "ceremonial faceoff." As of November 2008, ESPN had never used "ceremonial faceoff" in a headline or teaser, while the other terms appear regularly.
Notable examples include Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, dropping the puck on October 6, 2002, at General Motors Place before an exhibition game between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks—the first time a reigning monarch had done so. Texas Governor Rick Perry and Dallas Stars center Mike Modano dropped the puck at the 2007 NHL All-Star game on January 24, 2007. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger performed the honor on May 27, 2007, when the Anaheim Ducks hosted the Ottawa Senators. Brian Leetch dropped the first puck on October 4, 2007, at a New York Rangers game. In 2008, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, known for her "hockey mom" identity, was invited to drop the puck at NHL games during her campaign, including the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the New York Rangers on October 11 and the St.
- First reigning monarch to drop puck
- Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on October 6, 2002, at General Motors Place
- Notable politician drop
- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on May 27, 2007, Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators
- Notable military figure drop
- Colin Powell on November 11, 2008, New York Islanders game at Nassau Coliseum
- Nba legend drop
- Shaquille O'Neal on January 11, 2014, New Jersey Devils game
- First black u.s. secretary of state to d
- Colin Powell (also dropped puck on January 21, 2008, for Martin Luther King Day)
- 2007 nhl all-star game droppers
- Texas Governor Rick Perry and Dallas Stars center Mike Modano on January 24, 2007
- Sarah palin nhl appearances
- Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers on October 11, 2008; St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings on October 24, 2008
Lore & Background
The ceremonial first puck is also referred to as the 'ceremonial puck drop'. Both terms emphasize that the attention is typically on the honoree who actually drops the puck rather than on the vying for it. Significantly, the ceremony involves the two opposing captains (even a goaltender) who 'face off' nonconfrontationally since tradition dictates that the home player always 'wins' and presents the puck to the guest of honor. The official website of the National Hockey League uses the term 'ceremonial first puck' about twice as frequently as the somewhat synonymous term 'ceremonial faceoff'. As of November 2008, the sports news organization ESPN has never used the term 'ceremonial faceoff' in any headline or teaser, while 'ceremonial first puck' and 'ceremonial puck drop' are used regularly. The ceremonial puck dropper may be a notable person (dignitary, celebrity, former player, etc.) who is in attendance, an executive from a company that sponsors the team (especially when that company has sponsored that night's promotional giveaway), or a person who has been awarded the privilege as a result of some recent contest or current event. Especially in the minor leagues, multiple first puck drops are not uncommon; the honoree may merely pose at centre ice displaying his commemorative puck without actually dropping it into any faceoff.
Reader's Guide
The ceremonial first puck holds significance as a ritual that bridges hockey's traditions with broader cultural and political life. Its legacy is marked by the range of notable figures who have performed the drop, from reigning monarchs to governors, military leaders, and celebrities. The ceremony's adaptability is evident in its use for promotional events, military appreciation days, and political campaigns. The tradition's flexibility allows for multiple drops in minor leagues and for honorees to simply pose with the puck. The practice underscores hockey's role as a platform for public recognition and community engagement, while maintaining a consistent structure: the home player always 'wins' the faceoff and presents the puck to the guest. The NHL's preference for the term 'ceremonial first puck' over 'ceremonial faceoff' reflects the focus on the honoree's action rather than the competitive aspect. Notable drops include Queen Elizabeth II's in 2002, the first by a reigning monarch, and Colin Powell's appearances for military and civil rights commemorations. The ceremony's reach extends to political figures like Sarah Palin, whose appearances during the 2008 campaign drew both attention and boos. Through these varied participants, the ceremonial first puck has become a fixture that connects the sport to wider societal moments.
Did You Know?
- The ceremonial first puck does not actually begin play; it is retrieved and presented to the guest of honour as a keepsake.
- Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, dropped the ceremonial first puck on October 6, 2002, the first time any reigning monarch had performed the task.
- Colin Powell dropped the ceremonial first puck at a New York Islanders game on November 11, 2008, in recognition of Military Appreciation Day and Veterans Day.
- Sarah Palin was booed by fans at her ceremonial first puck drop in Philadelphia on October 11, 2008.
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