Calgary Flames prospect Matvei Gridin celebrated his second goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs by performing the Griddy, a dance popularized in football. Gridin later explained that his nickname is “Griddy” and that the Calgary team’s three-goal lead made the moment feel right for the celebration.
The young forward’s performance combined a productive night on the scoreboard with a spontaneous display of personality. His celebration quickly became a talking point alongside the Flames’ win over Toronto.
Matvei Gridin celebrates Calgary Flames’ NHL win over Toronto
Gridin said the celebration was a natural fit because “Griddy” is his nickname. Rather than planning a choreographed routine, the Calgary Flames prospect decided to dance in the moment, adding a personal touch to his goal celebration.
The game situation also played a part. Gridin scored a power-play goal just 25 seconds into the second period, putting Calgary ahead 3–0 against Toronto. With the Flames holding a comfortable lead, he felt there was room to enjoy the moment.
That explains the celebration, though, because it was a combination of his nickname, the score and the excitement of scoring. It was not a staged stunt or a message to the opposition.
How did Matvei Gridin make an impact against Toronto?
Gridin scored two goals against the Maple Leafs, and his offensive contribution was the most important part of his performance, and the Griddy celebration added a memorable moment, but his ability to find the net was the main takeaway for Calgary.
Scoring twice against an Original Six franchise also gave the young forward a chance to get noticed. For a young player trying to break into the NHL, big games can do wonders for his confidence and show he can contribute at the top level.
The power-play goal that made it 3–0 showed Gridin could capitalize on a special-teams opportunity, and his second goal gave the night another highlight, while the celebration helped his performance reach a wider audience beyond the game itself.
What is the Griddy dance and why did it attract attention?
The Griddy is a celebratory dance that was made popular through football. Especially after NFL players like Justin Jefferson made it popular. The routine usually involves rhythmic steps, arm motions and facial gestures. It has since spread to other sports as athletes have taken it up to celebrate big moments.
In hockey, goal celebrations frequently involve teammates, familiar gestures, or spontaneous outbursts of excitement, and Gridin’s choice was distinctive as it introduced a recognizable football celebration to the rink, directly tying into his nickname.
It also showed a lighter side of the NHL prospect. The young players are often evaluated on their stats, consistency and development. But personality can also help them connect with fans. Gridin found a way to celebrate in a way that was memorable, but didn’t steal the spotlight from his two-goal performance.
But for Calgary supporters, the priority will be on his progress as a player and his ability to keep contributing offensively. Should Gridin keep banging in goals, fans might see more celebrations in the future. In the meantime, his game against the Toronto also offered up a decent contribution on the ice as well as an impromptu moment that gave the NHL one more entertaining highlight.