Quick reference to my handy Webster's reveals that "hat trick" goes back to
the late 1800's and the sport of cricket, where the feat of a bowler retiring
a batsman on three consecutive balls was rewarded with the gift of a hat.
 Who or where the idea of throwing hats came from in response to scoring
three goals, regardless of sport, is unclear.
 
In most arenas the hats are relegated to the trash, after everybody in the
bull crew has had a chance to pick out a new chapeau.  The starring player
can have his choice, too, if he wants any, though I can't imagine needing a
hat that badly.  And besides, would YOU want to wear somebody else's hat?
 Should you later regret tossing your favorite Stetson in a moment of glee
and overwhelming enthusiasm, you can usually go "backstage" after the game
and retrieve it, assuming it didn't go home on someone else's head...!
 
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