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Octopus tosser's elaborate plan

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Splat! The octopus hit the ice of Mellon Arena to a chorus of boos just after the national anthem Saturday. But the tentacled toss didn't come from a Michigander. Zach Smith, 19, of Cleveland, an avid Red Wings fan and adrenaline junkie, hurled the slimy creature. Then he got tossed. Security guards threw him out. "You're outta here," Smith said they told him. "Come back in and you get arrested." But Smith and his two friends from metro Detroit, who asked not to be identified, had a plan. They had bought an extra ticket in anticipation of his booting. That's an extra $300 from a scalper. And Smith was wearing a regular T-shirt, instead of Red Wings gear, when he threw the octopus. Outside, he quickly threw on a Red Wings sweater and walked back into Gate 3..."I hate Pittsburgh more than anything," he said, noting the rivalry between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. "It was great. I loved the rush."

Detroit Free Press

octopus, AP octopus, AP

Comments (58) Add A Comment

June 1, 2008  07:57 AM ET
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No comment.

June 1, 2008  08:46 AM ET
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And just yesterday we were reading how Hockey is not popular in the U.S. &
these are the kind of fans that Bettman wants to discourage?
How sad.
This guy deserves a "Bentley" award!

June 1, 2008  09:20 AM ET
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Octopi can be awfully expensive.

June 1, 2008  09:50 AM ET
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So can a Cupless Penguin!

June 1, 2008  10:17 AM ET
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Attaboy. I've never liked someone from Ohio so much before. I think that this moment even deserves an
O-H

June 1, 2008  10:43 AM ET
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Moron, hates Pittsburgh because the only claim to fame his sad city has is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and even it would relocate if it could. . .Ohio, the only state with a tower that is Terminal and a lake that is Erie!!!!

June 1, 2008  10:49 AM ET
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Keep your octopi in your own arena. Funny though!

June 1, 2008  10:50 AM ET
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..."I hate Pittsburgh more than anything,"

I understand.

June 1, 2008  11:38 AM ET
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Well planned and well orchestrated. That's a true hockey fan right there.

June 1, 2008  12:19 PM ET
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Who knew that a guy from Cleveland had guts? Figures that nobody from Detroit had the courage to do it! As a long time Pens season ticket holder, all I have to say is BRAVO!

It does say something, though, that security didn't catch him coming back in or walking around inside. Just like waiving the metal detector wand over people, then not checking what's in their pockets. I didn't take out my car keys, but could've been bringing in a gun. Thank heavens that all he brought in was an octopus.

June 1, 2008  12:20 PM ET
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nice job kid!

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June 1, 2008  12:42 PM ET
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What happened to octopus? Make good stew, with some snowpea and duck.

June 1, 2008  12:44 PM ET
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Awesome kid!

June 1, 2008  12:47 PM ET
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Good job kid(s), can't say I hate Pittsburgh ... grew up with the Red Wings and will always love 'em. Have really tried to like the Penguins since moving to PA., but Therrien whines too much and now Crosby is showing it also. If the tradition was the other way, I would still applaud you guys.

June 1, 2008  12:49 PM ET
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I find it funny that many of the "penguins fans" stopped posting on this site after the wings starting kicking their asses.

June 1, 2008  01:13 PM ET
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Calling for a senate investigation on octopi throwing Mr Spector. GO WINGS.

June 1, 2008  01:31 PM ET
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Funny! I hate the Wings, but this is great!

June 1, 2008  01:36 PM ET
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Absolutely hilarious. I hate the Wings but that is pretty awesome. Next time try to throw it at Crosby's pretty face.

 
June 1, 2008  01:38 PM ET
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Moron, hates Pittsburgh because the only claim to fame his sad city has is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and even it would relocate if it could. . .Ohio, the only state with a tower that is Terminal and a lake that is Erie!!!!
Juice1698 | 06/01/08, 10:43 AM
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And pittsburgh is famous for... steel and... help me out here Juice.

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