Connor McDavid's Iconic Orange Socks and Hockey's Quirkiest Rituals

The Origin of Lucky Orange Hockey Socks

In the superstitious world of hockey, few items bring as much mystical power as a trusty pair of orange socks. While their prominence has exploded thanks to Connor McDavid's famously tattered legwear, the tradition of orange socks as good luck charms stretches back generations.

The Early Days of Fortunate Footwear

While the orange variety has taken center stage in today's NHL, superstitious hockey socks started appearing in all colors and patterns. As early as the 1920s, players began sporting socks with bold stripes or wild designs, believing a unique look might bring goals or wins. By the 1950s, lucky legwear became more widespread across hockey's highest levels.

Many credit the origins to the late 1950s Montreal Canadiens dynasty. Stars like Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, and Henri Richard all donned distinct socks that they refused to wash during winning streaks. Their run of five straight Stanley Cups proved superstition does yield success.

The Infamous Cooperalls

When orange socks entered hockey lore remains a matter of debate. Many trace their popularity back to the infamous Cooperalls from the 1980s — full-length hockey pants that became synonymously linked with their bright, orange vertical racing stripes.

Goalies and players seeking any edge quickly gravitated to the Cooperalls for their supposedly supernatural abilities to stop pucks and find twine. And when cut into socks, their vibrant orange stripes and fabric carried over that mystical energy. Wayne Gretzky even sported a modified pair during his early Edmonton years.

Connor McDavid and Today's Orange Legends

While lucky socks populated hockey for decades, no player brought them more notoriety than Connor McDavid and his tattered orange legwear. With shreds around his calves and tapes holding up threads, McDavid's socks transcended practicality and became their own legendary identity.

The Origins of McDavid's Orange Threads

In his rookie season, McDavid arrived as a phenom expected to revive the struggling Oilers. Seeking every advantage, whether real or imagined, McDavid took a pair of bright orange socks and cut the bottoms. The altered socks peaked out from his jersey, making McDavid instantly recognizable on the ice.

As with all hockey magic, McDavid enjoyed immediate success, winning league MVP by age 20. And his ragged orange socks reached their own iconic status. Fans began buying and wearing replicas, while McDavid keeps his original pair going half a decade later.

Who Else Sports Lucky Orange Socks?

McDavid may have propelled orange socks back into hockey headlines, but plenty of other players chase their supernatural powers.

Journeyman Phil Kessel, nicknamed "The Thrill," has always worn #81. But in Arizona, with that number taken, Kessel flipped the digits to 18 and adopted bright new orange socks to maintain fortune. Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, Mark Scheifele, and others sport orange too.

More Hockey Superstitions

While socks dominate hockey's lore, players chase luck through all types of rituals.

Equipment & Clothing Superstitions

Mike Richter wore the same undershirt for two seasons, never washing it during the Rangers' Cup run. Patrick Roy talked to his goal posts. Baseball caps must curve in the right bend.

And equipment sees just as much specific treatment. Only certain skate laces work, and players ritualistically tape sticks to build confidence that the blade or curve brings goals.

Routines & Behaviors

Pre-game routines establish order amid chaos. Playoff beards - refusing to shave during postseason runs - give mystical friction. Locker rooms follow precise arrangements. Team meals come from specific restaurants.

In end, superstition breeds comfort against uncertainty. When fortunes and futures ride on bounces of a puck, every edge counts. And in hockey, the smallest rituals can unlock the greatest magic, even if only in players' minds.