In the 1980s, the New York Islanders began a hockey tradition--they stopped shaving once they entered the playoffs, and refused to shave until the team is either eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. Those teams sometimes played four games in five nights in the first round, and players claim that the playoff beard "just kind of happened" because of busy schedules. Other players believe the beard is a reminder of team unity and a way to get teams thinking about the playoffs from the moment the players look in the mirror in the morning. The playoff beard is practiced by nearly all North American hockey leagues, including minor league affiliates, NCAA programs, and even high school teams.

Cotton/Poly Blend