Anyone know the origin of the term 'hat-trick'?

Senior Moments

I originally thought it was from an old German phrase Jerry hat trick. "Hat trick" originated from the English game of Cricket. The term originally referred to a bowler retiring three consecutive batsman with three consecutive balls. This is roughly equivalent to a pitcher in baseball striking out three consecutive batters using only three pitches to each! This was considered quite an accomplishment and was traditionally rewarded with a hat. The term is now used for other sports, always referring to an accomplishment of three. A popular use today is three goals by a single player in one game of hockey or soccer. Alternatively, Comes from the days when it was common for men (and women for that manner) to wear hats to social events, and in Canada a hockey game is a social event. If a player scored three goals in one game, appreciative fans would throw their hats onto the ice. Apr 17 04, 7:05 AM

bwwana

Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters of the O.H.L. sponsored by the Biltmore Hat Company rewarded any player scoring three of more goals in one game the choice of hats at their factory this term was around I believe in the late 1950's and early 60's. http://www.ontla.on.ca/hansard/house_debates/37_parl/session1/l113a.htm The term Hat Trick was invented in Guelph. The Biltmore Hat Company sponsored a Guelph Hockey Team called the Biltmore Mad Hatters. When a player scored three goals, fans were encouraged to throw their hats on to the ice. This was known as the “Hat Trick”. http://guelph.ca/visiting.cfm?subCatID=836&smocid=1422 [Edited to add references - McG] May 18 04, 11:00 PM

cityofgraphics

Guelph Biltmore Madhatters played from 1940-1960 with a break from 1942-1947 for WWII. Guelph Mercury archives. Oct 09 07, 5:22 AM