The History Of The Octopi
The octopus first made it's appearance April 15, 1952,during the playoffs.
Two Detroit brothers,Pete and Jerry Cusimano,who owned a fishmongers in
the Eastern Market,threw one on the ice at Olympia Stadium.Each tentacle
represented a win.Back when the NHL was just the Blackhawks,Leafs,Habs,
Wings,Rangers,and the Bruins,eight wins would get you a playof sweep.
The Red Wings swept the playoff series that year,and the Octopus became
a good luck charm to the wings ever since.The traditon was carried on to
Joe Louis Arena on opening night in 1979.Even though they lost to St. Louis
3-1,The crowd loved it.The tradition is carried on today.