A hat trick in hockey is when a single player scores three goals in one game. The term "hat trick" originated in cricket during the 19th century when a player would receive a hat as a reward for taking three wickets. In hockey, the term "hat trick" is used to describe a player scoring three goals in a game, usually earning him a cascade of hats thrown onto the ice by fans, especially if the player is on the home team. There are two types of hat tricks in hockey:

• Regular Hat Trick: This is when a player scores three goals in a single game, and all three goals are scored in regulation or overtime. A shootout goal does not count towards a hat trick.

• Natural Hat Trick: This is when a player scores three consecutive goals in a game, uninterrupted by any other player scoring for either team.

Hat tricks are relatively rare in hockey, and they are considered a significant accomplishment and a notable feat in the sport of ice hockey. In recognition of the achievement, fans may throw their hats onto the ice, which has become a customary tradition in many hockey arenas. The current record for the most hat tricks recorded in a single season was set during the 2017-2018 season, during which there were 81 hat tricks in official NHL games.