In the world of hockey broadcasting, few stories are as lighthearted and legendary as the origin of Ray Ferraro’s nickname, “Chicken Parm.” It all started with an innocent pre-game meal and a white dress shirt—a combination destined for disaster. Before going on air, Ferraro made the rookie mistake of wearing his crisp white shirt while enjoying a meal.

A rogue piece of marinara-drenched chicken parm found its way onto his shirt, leaving an unmistakable stain. Naturally, such an incident couldn’t be ignored. The team made it a point to highlight the moment on TV, turning an otherwise ordinary mishap into a memorable broadcast moment. As Ferraro transitioned back to playing for the Atlanta Thrashers, the nickname “Chicken Parm” stuck. In fact, it gained a life of its own. Fans would spot him in airports and shout, “Chicken Parm!”—a quirky but affectionate acknowledgment of the story. It was a unique badge of honor, one that perfectly captured the camaraderie and humor shared on and off the ice. In hindsight, things could have been worse but the nickname is a winner. Because, really, who doesn’t love chicken parm?