Why do hockey players grow beards during the playoffs?

Answer 1

A playoff beard is the superstitious practice of a National Hockey League player not shaving his beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The player stops shaving when his team enters the playoffs and does not shave until his team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup.

It is believed that the tradition was started in the 1980s by the New York Islanders.

The tradition is also practiced by nearly all North American hockey leagues, to include high school leagues and the NCAA hockey teams, as well as minor league affiliates.

The tradition has also spread to hockey leagues in Europe.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoff_beard

Answer 2

The Boston Red Sox players have beards because during spring training Mike Napoli and JOnny Gomes started growing beards. Most of the rest of the team joined in and have worn beards all season.

Answer 3

Superstition. That's all it is.