Shoe Throwing Ritual at Yost
I recently received an email from the athletic department congratulating my 5-year old son because he gets to ride the zamboni during the second intermission of one of the upcoming hockey games.
I graduated over a decade ago and just recently moved back to Michigan; so this will be his first Yost experience, and I have not been back since I was a student so I am a bit rusty on the rituals.
In efforts to ensure he fulfills his rightful duties and to give him the best interactive experience with the fans, I need some help with the proper etiquette for zamboni riders. Namely:
- Do kids still do the shoe throwing thing?
- If so, does anyone know if this is openly accepted by the staff or are kids specifically instructed not to do it? (being his first game, I'd like it to be a positive experience and don't want him to get yelled at or suffer negative consequences that may scar his future fandom)
- Is there a specific time to throw the shoe? (right away or as prompted by the student section)
- Should he throw said shoe onto the ice or aim for the student section?
- Any other responsibilities he should be aware of to earn "Best Kid Ever" chants?
Also, as an aside - are "Children of Yost" shirts available anywhere? Would love to get one for my son as a memento, though I imagine youth sizes may be hard to come by for such an item.
Thank you for your help in brainwashing raising yet another faithful wolverine. Go Blue!
December 18th, 2015 at 1:41 PM ^
1) Yes
2) I'm seen the Zamboni driver indicate it's OK.
3) As prompted.
4) There's a bucket he should throw them into.
5) Follow the students' prompts.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:45 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 1:46 PM ^
That makes me sad.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:55 PM ^
Tell him he can throw his socks, though.
December 18th, 2015 at 2:02 PM ^
tuck an old shoe under his waistband and shirt, then he could pull it out once he is on the zamboni, I bet the children of yost would love it!
December 18th, 2015 at 2:15 PM ^
I want the Children of Yost to encourage the kids to throw the socks onto the ice. I loved the shoe tradition.
December 18th, 2015 at 4:51 PM ^
Easy to hide, won't miss it if it's confiscated
December 18th, 2015 at 1:51 PM ^
That's so stupid. Why would the mess with a fun, harmess tradition like that? If the Red Wings will let tolerate people throwing a damn octopus on the ice I don't see why a kid can't throw a shoe on the ice. It's not that hard to send someone to pick it up.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:53 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 2:03 PM ^
Thats a legitimate concern but it seems to me like its easily addressed by having someone out there to grab it.
December 18th, 2015 at 2:12 PM ^
That's a really crappy excuse. This is why I don't enjoy games at Yost anymore.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:52 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 2:26 PM ^
The shoes were off at the three games I went to last year too.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:46 PM ^
One adult/college student took his shoe off and threw it at the student section right in front of the zamboni last game. The guy in the 3 piece suit who handles the bet replacement was none too pleased since he had to scramble to grab it before the zamboni ran it over. Think he was on the ice for one of the intermission games.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:49 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 1:56 PM ^
Yeah, last game it was first "THROW YOUR SHOE!!" and after the kid did, the chant became "THROW YOUR SOCK!" and she did that too.
December 18th, 2015 at 2:08 PM ^
If they make your avatar shirt in youth sizes, that would make a pretty awesome and hilarious souvenir too.
December 18th, 2015 at 1:50 PM ^
Then mimic their actions (raise the roof, angels in the outfield, butterfly)
Then they will start the "throw your sock (99% of the time shoes aren't worn anymore)"
If it's the State game (or any really) tell him to throw both socks and his hat and extra shirt you give him to wear and throw. The more the better and louder the reaction will be
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December 18th, 2015 at 2:04 PM ^
December 18th, 2015 at 2:07 PM ^
Never tell a child to "whip it out"
December 18th, 2015 at 2:15 PM ^
/looks around nervously
December 18th, 2015 at 2:06 PM ^
too bad the arena staff are crusty and no fun these days with this ritual. I blame Brandon.
December 18th, 2015 at 2:33 PM ^
He would have caught both shoes and then yelled about the reporter's poor form and technique
December 18th, 2015 at 4:50 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 2:24 PM ^
Your avatar kills me every time
December 18th, 2015 at 2:28 PM ^
December 18th, 2015 at 3:14 PM ^
Zamboni riders get a really stern talking to about throwing things on the ice. Both my kids have ridden the zamboni at intermission (back when allowed to wear shoes) and the people in charge of the ride and the drivers talk to the kids a lot about not listening to the students, don't throw anything, etc... So if your child really listens to authority figures, they will get a good talking to beforehand and they may be scared to throw anything. I told my kids not to throw the shoe, because if it got ruined, we would have to carry said child back to the car parked far away.
December 18th, 2015 at 5:10 PM ^
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December 18th, 2015 at 3:30 PM ^
I second people telling you to give your kid an extra stashed shoe. The students will love it and "best kid ever!" will be the reward!
This tradition needs to be resurrected. It is harmless and amazing.
December 18th, 2015 at 3:48 PM ^
If they are so worried about a mishap where a shoe or something else gets run over by the zamboni then they should probably stop having people ride on the zamboni at all. It is my hope that kids continue to throw whatever they happen to have on their feet or head as it brings joy to pretty much everyone in the building. Plus, where else can an average youngster get that sort of rock-star treatment?
December 18th, 2015 at 6:54 PM ^