Hockey is one of the most popular sports globally, with teams from North America, Europe, and Asia playing each year. The sport also provides a valuable platform for social and economic development, as well as a way for people to stay fit and active in their later years.
However, the NHL and other top European leagues have seen a significant decrease in the number of people playing or watching the sport. Why is hockey losing popularity? Is it because of the coronavirus pandemic? Or has the game just become too easy? Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend.
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Fewer People In The NHL
Since the beginning of the NHL season, many professional hockey leagues around the world have seen a significant decrease in the number of players. The sport was initially played during the winter in Europe and North America, with outdoor rinks providing the perfect atmosphere for the game. In recent years, though, the outdoor season has become less of a priority for hockey players, with artificial ice making the game more viable all year round.
Even in Canada, which has always embraced the winter sports more than most other countries, the number of people playing hockey has decreased by 30% since last year. This is mainly due to a decrease in the number of people registering to play the game. In 2019, there were 22,000 registered players in the country, which is compared to the estimated 33,000 who were playing in 2008. Fewer people playing leads to less people showing up for practices and games, which in turn leads to less social engagement and development opportunities.
Soccer Takes Over
While many people have chosen to stay away from organized sports in the wake of the pandemic, the most popular sport globally has risen to the top. The soccer World Cup was originally scheduled to be held in 12 cities across North America and Europe between June and July this year, but has now been postponed to 2021/2022. The International Olympic Committee has also shifted the Tokyo Summer Olympics from June to August to ensure the safety of the competitors and fans.
With fewer people participating in hockey and other winter sports, there has been an increase in the number of people playing soccer and other sports in the summer. From April to June, the number of sports matches rose by 17% in the UK, while in Canada, the number of participants more than tripled between March and April. In the U.S., participation in youth sports jumped up by 26% between 2017 and 2018, according to the Sports & Recreation Alliance, a trade group that represents the sports industry.
The increase in the popularity of summer sports will present new opportunities for people who have chosen not to participate in traditional sports. Those interested in soccer can now play professionally, and the ability to train full-time during the summer months means that a career in sports may no longer require a move to the other side of the world. The opportunity to develop a lifelong hobby has also become more accessible, with internet-based leagues making it easier for anyone to join a team and play whenever they want.
Hockey Is A Family Sport
One of the reasons why hockey remains popular is that it is a sport that people can enjoy together with their families and friends. The game is open to all ages, with kids as young as four able to get involved through organized sports. The level of competition is also fairly high, with the NHL expecting around 40% of its regular season games to have some form of audience. In comparison, the NBA and the NFL each only expect around 30% of their games to be attended.
Hockey is also a sport that people can follow from all over the world. The 2019 World Cup, for example, saw millions of people tune in to follow the action, with more than 9.9 million watching one of the matches, according to Statista. Other sports, such as soccer, attract a similar audience.
Outdoor Hockey Increases Morale
Hockey is a sport that can be played on a number of surfaces, with the most popular version using ice as a playing surface. However, some leagues around the world have seen a significant increase in the amount of outdoor hockey played in the summer, with more than 250,000 people playing in Edmonton, Canada between May and September, according to the city’s parks department. The increase in outdoor hockey could be due to climate change. As the Earth gets warmer, the length of the seasons is changing, with the weather getting more unpredictable and extreme.
Indoor hockey, which is played on a rink, remains popular as well, with the UK playing more than 170,000 indoor hockey games per week between March and October. This is mainly because people prefer the safety and security of an indoor venue, especially during the summer months when climate control is vital. The change in habit has also led to a rise in ice hockey equipment sales, with fans having to adjust to playing on a different surface than in the past. Indoor hockey is also popular because it can be customized to suit anyone’s skill level, with many leagues introducing 3-on-3 play, shootouts, and other variations to make the sport more exciting.
The increase in the number of people playing and following hockey is a testament to the unique combination of skill, determination, and teamwork that the sport offers. While the game may have adapted to new circumstances during the pandemic, the world is now looking for ways to get back to normal, with many people eager to jump back into their sport. The increase in popularity of sports in the summer could lead to a rise in sports injuries, due to people overexerting themselves during the hotter months. It is therefore important for people to stay hydrated and rest up during the offseason.