Table of Contents
The Pros Vs. The Cons
Depending on who you ask, hockey can be a pretty entertaining sport, but for some people, it can also be quite a frustrating one. A common question we get asked at Top Notch Sports is, “How do I start hockey?” With some of the top names in professional hockey, there must be a pro side and a con side to the game. Here’s a look at the top reasons why people prefer not to play hockey, and the top reasons why people enjoy playing the game.
1. THE PAIN OF LOSS
One of the biggest pluses of hockey is that it’s a game that you can truly try out! You don’t need to be super athletic to play, and while the sport does require some coordination and endurance, it’s certainly not impossible for everyone to enjoy it. The downside is that hockey is a very frustrating game if you’re not used to losing. Once you start losing, it can be quite a deflating experience, especially in competitive hockey, where a single mistake can cost you the game. Furthermore, hockey is one of the most physical sports in existence. It’s not uncommon for players to get injured, making it difficult to continue playing without some pain tolerance. If you want to start hockey, but the idea of getting injured scares you, then another option might be closer to your heart – flag football!
2. HARD TO MASTER
Another big attraction of hockey is that it’s one of the few sports where you can truly master. Even if you’re not the best athlete in the world, with a little bit of dedication, practice, and guidance, you can certainly learn to play the game. There are also many different moves and strategies that you can learn, which can help you become a better player and, potentially, even score some goals! The downside to this is that while it’s easy to learn the basics, the game continues to evolve, with new techniques and movements constantly being introduced. For example, the “walls” used in modern day hockey are an adaptation of the earlier “rings” which allowed players to protect themselves with their bodies when blocking shots, and are made of an ever-changing group of players who are trying to adapt to the game’s ever-changing tactics and strategies.
3. TAKES A LOT OF TIME TO LEARN
Despite what some people believe, hockey is not an easy sport to master. It takes a lot of time to learn how to play, and even more time to become good at it. Furthermore, it also takes a lot of practice to become a professional hockey player. There are many different aspects to the game, from skating to stick handling, and with so much information being thrown around, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on. This results in a lot of “playing” and little bit of coaching, which is something that even the best hockey players have to go through. If you really want to start hockey, consider it a challenge and something to look forward to!
4. COOL TO WATCH
While hockey is a very physical game, that aspect is part of what makes it so interesting to watch. There are many different types of moves and techniques that you can learn, which give each game its own unique flavor. Also, as you’re not always sure of what’s going to happen, it can make the game more exciting for viewers. The downside to this is that you have to pay close attention to the game, which can be difficult to do if you’re in the middle of other things. If you want to start a fan club, hosting games and inviting fans to come out and watch is one of the best ways to do so. You’ll not only be able to grow your club, but also provide fans with an entertaining game to watch!
5. IT’S NOT ENTERTAINMENT SENTIMENT
Even though hockey can be a very entertaining game to watch, that’s not always the goal of the sport. Some people, especially in the modern day, have turned the game into a serious one, emphasizing skill over entertainment. Thanks to a number of rule changes over the years, such as the introduction of the puck and icing, the ability to block shots with your body, and the three-line pass, the game has gradually slowed down, taking on the pace of a sport like tennis. This has resulted in more and more people focusing on skill and technique, rather than just trying to score as many goals as they can. While this approach can definitely be entertaining, it doesn’t always make for ideal gameplay.
6. TOYS ARE NEEDED
One of the things that make children so attractive to wolves is their toys. Not only do they provide the animal with entertainment, but they can also be useful for calming the creature down and teaching them new things. Since children are a major target audience for most toys, games, and sportswear companies, it’s not a great idea to say no to their offers. As an example, when a child is presented with a hockey puck, it can act as a catalyst for hours of entertainment – or it can teach the player how to throw a “hockey slide” if they’ve never tried it before! Of course, this example relates to toys and not actual sporting equipment, but it’s still a relevant consideration for any parent who wants to play hockey with their children.
7. IT’S NOT FOR EVERYONE
If you’re not a natural born athlete, you might not have the physical build to play hockey. Even if you’re very coordinated, it can still be difficult to master the puck handling required to play at a high level. Luckily, there are alternatives. If you have a love for the game and can find the time to practice, you can certainly become good enough to enjoy it. Some of the best players in the world didn’t even start out as professional hockey players, with Michael Jordan and Lou Gehrig both enjoying success before they played a single game in the NHL. Thanks to modern medicine and an ever-evolving body of knowledge, it’s no longer impossible to become one of the best at something.
8. INJURIES CAN BE VERY DISASTROUS
One of the most dangerous aspects of hockey is that it’s one of the few sports where players can get injured seriously. Thanks to the speed of the game and the brutality of the hits, it’s not uncommon for hockey players to break bones, tear muscles, and even cause serious internal injuries. The most serious injuries can even result in players being unable to play for weeks, or even months. This was the case for several NHL players in the early part of this decade, with the most recent example being Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a game in October 2019. This is the equivalent of an ACL tear in your left knee, with a similar recovery timeline, and it’s not an injury you’d want to experience, especially since it was a very serious one.
9. SCARY WHEN YOU’RE LOSING
While it’s great to bring a smile to your face when you’re winning, losing in hockey isn’t exactly a pleasant experience. Even for the best players, the fear of losing is always present. This is why there’s always at least one coach or teammate nearby to keep an eye on the puck, or why there’s always someone on hand to tie a loose end when your team is losing by a few goals. This focus on safety is one of the reasons why hockey is often cited as the most dangerous of all the major sports. It’s not just because of the frequent injuries, as mentioned above; it’s also because there’s always the fear of a player getting hurt, which could potentially end their season or career. This is one of the reasons why it’s best avoided by those who aren’t naturally gifted.
10. DIFFICULT TO LEARN
Finally, we come to the most important point – how difficult is it to learn? If you want to play hockey, it would be best to look for a professional team, so that you can get some coaching and guidance. There are many different aspects to the game, and with so much information being thrown around, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s going on. If you want to learn how to play hockey in your own backyard, it can be helpful to take a coach with you, so that you don’t get lost in the process. The more you put in, the more you’ll get back, and with some education and a little bit of luck, you can certainly become a better player and, eventually, a professional hockey player!