I have no idea how many times it has happened. It's a pain trying to get any stats on the
Gordie Howe Hat Trick. One website says Shanahan had 9, another says he leads with 17, another says Tocchet has the most, another says Iginla is now the "official" leader. One website says Howe had one, another says he had two. It seems 96-97 was the first year they were actually recorded. Does anyone know of a website that can be considered the authority on the subject?
I think
Zdeno Chara is the leader amongst defencemen for the GHT with 5, including a game where he gets a fighting major and his opponent get a roughing.
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/38162