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At the young age of 23, Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues can sport a first-class playoff beard. Adam Burish proudly displays his playoff beard and the Stanley Cup with the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks. Even fans can't help but get in on the fun. Let���s Hear It For The Beard T Tim Thomas made a stylish statement by growing a great beard on his way to winning the 2011 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs. 24 January. 2013 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM he ancient Greeks viewed it as a sign of virility. In India, it was meant to denote dignity and wisdom. And in other cultures it was associated with masculinity and courage. And then there���s hockey, where the playoff beard has become something of a fashion statement and a status symbol as players stow their razors until after their Stanley Cup playoff run has expired. The tradition was started in the 1980s by the New York Islanders, and continues on today among nearly all North American hockey leagues, to include high school leagues and the NCAA hockey teams. Regardless of the superstitious undertones associated with the practice, it has become somewhat of a fashion statement and a rallying cry for teams attempting to extend their season. The 2009 Red Wings used the slogan ���The beard is back��� for the final series of their 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs run. Other teams have encouraged their fans to join in on the growth to raise money for charity. As a number of hockey players have jumped on the bandwagon during Movember, a month to raise money and awareness for men���s prostate cancer, we thought we���d take a look back at some American-born NHL players who have gone to great lengths to let it all grow during their teams��� respective playoff runs. Photos By Getty Images