This fan deserved a penalty.
A rowdy Toronto Maple Leafs fan snatched a longtime season ticket holder’s expensive hat off his head and sailed it across to the ice after a hat trick, all to the displeasure of the cap’s rightful owner and NHL fans alike.
John Hamilton, 73, was enjoying the second period of Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, when Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews scored his third goal, causing Scotiabank Arena to erupt as other fans threw their hats onto the ice — celebrating one of the more beloved traditions of the sport.
As Van Halen’s hit song “Panama” blasted through the arena, Hamilton watched in disbelief as his $300 fedora, which he paired with his signed Dave Keon sweater, landed on the ice, believing the hat was gone for good, according to the viral footage.
“I was surprised,” Hamilton told the Toronto Sun. “I thought it was a joke at first, too, until I saw my hat on the ice.”
Hamilton said he had some choice words when he confronted the fan behind him, but the hat thrower only deflected the blame away from himself.
“He told me to,” the unknown fan said, pointing to his buddy who was recording the entire ordeal.
Hamilton, a 40-year season ticket holder, eventually reunited with the fedora within five minutes after his buddies yelled at the ice crew about the coveted headwear.
The fan, realizing his stunt didn’t get the reaction he was hoping for, soon quieted down and was seemingly embarrassed.
“He did sit down in his seat and got very red in the face because a number of people were around him,” Hamilton said. “I think he didn’t expect the reaction that he got, and I think he was suddenly going ‘Oops wonder what happened here.’”
Hamilton never received an apology from the culprit, but the fan behind the camera reportedly apologized several times for his friend’s antics and even ordered the four fans in front of him a round of drinks.
“Several times he apologized, I’m gonna guess four or five times, got back into the (Air Canada) Signature Club and he ordered the staff to get us beers for the three buddies and myself,” Hamilton added.
Hamilton speculated that the fan may have been kicked, as he wasn’t seen again after the second intermission.
Although he was frustrated with the man immediately after the incident, Hamilton didn’t want anything bad to happen to him.
“My friends told me in today’s world when something goes around on social media they can lose their job,” Hamilton told the outlet.
“I wouldn’t want that to happen,” he added. “I would accept an apology for sure, forgive him and move on. I got my hat back, and we have done stupid things in our youth.”
Social media users quickly went after the hat-throwing fan, saying it was a bad look for Leafs fans and
“The lesson in all of this is don’t be an A–hole, don’t ruin another person’s enjoyment to get “clicks” or 15 seconds of fame,” one user said on X.
“That deserves a crosscheck,” another comment read.
“Nah thats so disrespectful! You don’t touch other people or their property,” another viewer said.
“Not cool at all..that hat could have meant something to that man..if it’s not yours don’t touch it simple as that,” one person said on X.
After getting his hat back and having his free drinks, Hamilton enjoyed the rest of the game, as the Maple Leafs won in overtime off a William Nylander goal.
