Most people love to hate on hockey players and their favorite pastime – hockey.
The latest in a long line of unfortunate events to befall the sport, the NHL lockout placed an unmitigated damper on the already lackluster 2018-19 season. While the players battled it out in the court of law, the general public turned on them.
Perhaps it’s because of the significant economic impact the dispute had on the average person. Or maybe it’s because hockey players are generally perceived as a bit of a nuisance –– often found blaring music or making inappropriate gestures –– that the sport isn’t taken as seriously as it could be.
What do hockey players and magicians have in common? A lot, as it turns out.
In order to figure out how they’re alike and how they’re different, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and remind ourselves of the important things that both groups have in common and the unique qualities that each category of individual brings to the table.
Table of Contents
They’re Athletes
It’s no secret that people in sports, especially hockey, are defined by their physicality. They’re either highly skilled or wildly uncoordinated, but in either case, they’re going to get some kind of workout while they play.
Just like magicians, hockey players need to be physically prepared for their craft. They need to be in shape and able to lift weights in order to stay at the top of their game. This is one area where the two are absolutely interchangeable. A talented hockey player could become world-class at magic, and a world-class magician could end up on the ice, performing for coaches and players alike.
They Want To Be The Best
Whether they admit it or not, everyone in sports wants to be the best. Whether it’s the best chef, best baker, or best athlete, the drive is essentially the same. To be the best, you need to work hard and know what it takes to be great.
Everyone in sports has a coach or a mentor who guides them towards excellence. For hockey players, that man is usually an NHL coach. For magicians, it’s a matter of applying yourself and studying the craft assiduously. Eventually, you’ll get it right, and when you do, you’ll be able to look back on your career with pride.
They Like To Have Fun
Hockey players are a pretty competitive bunch. They play a game that they enjoy, and in a perfect world, they’d enjoy it more if it wasn’t for the competition. Magic is inherently competitive, too, but it’s a game that we as humans enjoy playing more so when we don’t feel like we have to win.
They want to have fun, but they also want to win, and that’s precisely the sort of person that makes for a great teammate and person to have around during playoff time.
They’re Confident
Confidence is everything in sports and it starts at the top. Teammates have plenty of confidence in their abilities, and they want to prove to the rest of the world that they’re right.
People with confidence are generally seen as better leaders. They stand out in a crowd and inspire others to follow them. They don’t see themselves as better than others, but as equals who have different strengths and weaknesses that make them fit for the job. People with confidence tend to be more vocal and certain of themselves, which can work to their advantage. They’re also typically more comfortable in their own company, which makes them better candidates for solitary activities, like studying or practicing magic. It’s a rare personality trait indeed, but it’s something that we should all look out for.
They Care About Their Craft
As we mentioned above, everyone in sports wants to be the best. That drive comes with a side of conscientiousness –– wanting to do things right rather than simply doing them. People who are dedicated to their crafts are generally respected for their skills, and it shows. They take pride in their work and want to do their best.
Hockey players and magicians have a lot in common, and while it’s certainly true that they’re both athletic performers, it’s also true that they both have a lot more in common than meets the eye. They both play serious games that are respected worldwide and have had a massive impact on culture. While it’s great that they’re both finally being recognized for the talents that they possess, it’s also important to remember that they’re both human and make mistakes.