Saying

[LettiCC1]

Where does the term "hat trick" come from..and I know it when the number 3 is relevent but why hat trick?

[loobylou]

It is claimed that it originated in cricket in the 19th century . Two explanations - the first  for  a bowler who took wickets with three consecutive balls and was given a new hat by members of his team; the second was that  the bowler's hat was used as the receptacle for an informal whip-round when he achieved the same feat.

[THECORBYLOON]

The fielding team used to be allowed to use hats to catch the ball and a person who made three catches was given a new hat (a top hat I believe) as a reward.

[nanner]

OK heres what I got for ya this is written by Tom Landers.

  "Hat Trick" originated from the English game Cricket.  the term originally referred to a bowler retiring 3 consecutive batsmen with 3 consecutive balls.

This is roughly equivalent to a pitcher in baseball striking out three consecutive batters using only three pitches top each.  This was considered quite an accomplishment and was traditionally rewarded with a hat.

Alternatively, Comes from the days when it was common for men (and woman) 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.

Hope that helps.

[Kingaroo]

In ice hockey, it is used when a player scores his third goal in a game. Fans who know the term often throw their hats down onto the ice in acknowledgement.