The Tradition of NHL Handshake Line: A Display of Sportsmanship in Hockey

The tradition of the NHL Handshake Line dates back over a century, with players coming together to show sportsmanship and respect after a hard-fought playoff series. The ritual, which takes place after each series-clinching game, allows players and coaches to set aside their differences and wish each other luck for the rest of the playoffs.

Hockey historian Liam Maguire traced the origins of the handshake line back to 1908, during an All-Star game in the Eastern Canada Amateur Hockey Association. The tradition eventually spread to the NHL, becoming a common practice by the 1920s.

While the handshake line is typically a display of good sportsmanship, there have been instances where tensions ran high. In 2012, during a series between the Kings and the Coyotes, a controversial hit by Dustin Brown led to a heated exchange in the handshake line. Similarly, in 2014, the Bruins and Canadiens had a memorable encounter in the handshake line after a grueling seven-game series.

Despite these occasional confrontations, the NHL Handshake Line remains a cherished tradition in the world of hockey. It serves as a reminder of the respect and camaraderie that exists among players, even in the midst of intense competition. As players from the Jets and Avalanche came together to shake hands following Game Five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they demonstrated the true spirit of sportsmanship that defines the game of hockey.