It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and the annual ritual of slush, frost, and fog are gradually descending upon us. Hockey season is almost here, which means one thing: it’s time for you to start thinking about hockey day. What is hockey day, you ask? It’s a day when fans of all ages, genders, backgrounds and interests can come together to celebrate the wonderful game of hockey. It doesn’t matter if you’re a season ticket holder or have been to a game every week for the past decade, Hockey Day is for you.
Since its inception, in 2014, the idea of having a national hockey day has gained support and become an established fact in Canada. On January 1st, fans can take time out of their schedules to celebrate the sport they love, whether they’re playing, watching, or just cheering on the home team. Events will be taking place across the country to raise awareness and funds for causes related to cancer and other chronic illnesses. In addition, players, coaches, and team staff will be wearing special tribute jerseys to raise funds and awareness for their respective charities.
What is the meaning of hockey day? It’s a day to celebrate all things hockey, from the players to the fans. It’s a way to bring the country together and appreciate the great game that we all love so much. A little piece of trivia for you: the name ‘hockey day’ was officially proposed by a fan, Rafe Mair. He suggested the idea during a live chat on CanuckSoccer, one of the many platforms that the league has established to engage with its fans. The idea was quickly adopted and became an annual celebration on January 1st. On that day, we remember that hockey is a game that unites people from all walks of life and brings out the best in everyone.
Table of Contents
Why January 1st?
There are plenty of opportunities for fans to engage with their favourite sports team outside of hockey season, whether it’s the Canadian Football League or the MLB. It makes sense, then, that the day to celebrate hockey would be in the offseason. While it’s always nice to have a day in the spring or summer to celebrate an outing from the previous season, the logistical gymnastics of coordinating play schedules and getting everyone dressed in their best makes it almost impossible to do so.
With that in mind, many sports leagues have chosen to hold their respective celebration days in the winter. It provides a nice, long break from your regular routine, a chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep, and a day when everyone can get together to enjoy the game without having to worry about their team’s next match.
What Do I Need To Know About Hockey Day?
Hockey Day is a day for everyone. That means that your loved ones who aren’t familiar with the game will have something new to learn and appreciate. It’s also a great opportunity for beginners to get involved and understand the game a little better. Lastly, it gives veterans of the game a chance to remember and honour those who played before them.
The best thing for beginners would be to watch a few games before heading to the rink so that you know what is going on. The rules of hockey are simple, but they can be difficult to grasp if you’ve never played the game before. Watching several games will help clarify things for you and even teach you things that you didn’t know. Hockey is a game that is evolving all the time, which means there are always new things to learn and try out.
Also, make sure you’re aware of the various traditions and rules surrounding your favourite sport. There is a lot to know if you want to enjoy yourself while celebrating hockey, but also want to do the right thing. For example, you may need to stand for the national anthem or hold a beer bottle while celebrating a goal. You might even need to wear your pajamas to work or school, like Santa Claus.
What Does The Future Of Hockey Day Look Like?
The future of Hockey Day looks very positive. The first game of the 2020 season is just around the corner, which means that we’ll soon be celebrating our love for the game once more. The good news is that since the beginning, Hockey Day has always been one of the first scheduled events of the new year. That will continue in the coming months, as we await the start of the next hockey season.
What else could we do to continue celebrating hockey? Well, it’s not yet been established whether or not players, coaches, and team staff will be wearing special tribute jerseys during the 2020 campaign. If they do, we’ll be able to celebrate the game even more!