Lucy (California) What is a hat trick? Will Kuhns: The term hat trick is used when a player scores three goals in one game. According to the Wordsworth Dictionary of Idioms, the term originated in cricket because a bowler who put out three batsmen on three consecutive balls was given a new hat by his club. In hockey, fans often celebrate a hat trick by tossing hats on the ice. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)