So you’ve decided to become a fan of hockey. Great! But who is the god of hockey, and what does He/She/It require of you?
You might know that the Catholic Church has not been particularly kind to hockey, regarding it as a “papist sport.” In fact, hockey is not even considered a “religion” by the Catholic Church. Still, for many, hockey is a religion. The National Hockey League (NHL) is even described as “the church” of hockey. As a result, most hockey fans follow the rules and customs of the Catholic Church, such as attending mass and engaging in daily prayer and fasting. (1)
While it’s true that the NHL is the single largest employer of Catholics in Canada, it’s also the case that the majority of their employees are not faithful Catholics. This means that even those who consider hockey to be a religion are not actually worshipping the true God of hockey. (2)
Given the vast discrepancies between the actual God of hockey and the fictional deity worshipped by many hockey fans, this article is intended to highlight some of the essential differences between the two, as well as provide some helpful tips on how to differentiate between the two. Let’s examine the characteristics and attributes of the God of hockey, and how you can ensure you’re actually worshipping the real thing.
Table of Contents
1. The God of Hockey Is Worshipful
You might assume that since the Catholic Church does not consider hockey to be a sport, it cannot be a form of worship. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like any other hobby or pastime, hockey can be a form of prayer and a means of worshipping the Lord. As the late theologian Walter Mobergh says, “All sports are forms of prayer, since playing ball is a form of worship…[T]he essence of all forms of prayer is to seek after and celebrate the beautiful, to praise God for His creation and acknowledge our dependence upon Him.” (3)
If you’re playing hockey, you’re practicing the art of prayer. Just like any other game, hockey is a chance to practice your faith. You might want to consider inviting a priest to your next game or just to watch a few periods (if your team is playing a game). Not only will this help you practice your faith, but it will also provide an opportunity for the two of you to connect on a deeper level.
2. The God of Hockey Is Omnipotent
The Catholic Church does not consider hockey to be a sport, which means it cannot limit the powers of its God. In the same way that God gave man dominion over the earth and all of its creatures, He also gave man supremacy over all other forms of entertainment, including hockey. (4)
As a result, the God of hockey is absolutely unlimited. He can do anything, be anything, and have everything. Just like the grandiose claims often made about the almighty dollar, the same can be said about the all-powerful God of hockey. He wants for nothing, and He’s never satisfied.
Hockey fans will often tell you that the game was ‘til He came up with the shot clock. Before that, the coach would often give the players a break and let them skate around for a while to get their wind and legs back. But once the shot clock was implemented, coaches could no longer afford to let their players rest, because the game would never stop moving. Therefore, the players needed to be at their best at all times, no matter the circumstances. (5)
And that’s how you end up with shots being taken more often and farther in the span of fewer seconds. It’s also how you get players flying around the ice seeking greater speeds and increased offensive production. If you’re serious about your hockey and want to play at the highest level possible, then the shot clock is essentially what enabled you to become the God of hockey.
3. The God of Hockey Is Omnipresent
The fact that the God of hockey is omnipresent is similar to saying that He is everywhere. Like the Hindu philosophers and theologians before them, the early Christian saints referred to God as “omnipotent” and “omnipresent.” (6)
This means that the God of hockey is in every situation, doing everything at once, though often invisibly. If you want to talk to God, you can’t pick a better place than the hockey rink. Because he is omnipresent, every time you step out onto the ice, you are connecting with God. And if you’re lucky, you might even see God’s smile. (7)
Hockey fans will often say that the game is “in your face” all the time. For instance, during a typical game, the puck will be in the air for long stretches. If you’re playing defense, it will be coming straight at you. When a team is attacking, the goalie will be protecting you with his or her feet. (8)
What this means is that whether you’re playing hockey or watching a game, you will always be reminded of the presence of God. This is both good and bad. It can be a very positive thing that whenever you turn on the TV or open a book, the first thing you will see is the glory of God. But it can also be a very negative thing, since the omnipresent nature of God can sometimes feel overwhelming. It can be easy to become absorbed in the game and lose sight of reality, of the real world and its problems. (9)
To avoid this, it is important to make sure that you are not only mindful of the presence of God at all times, but that you actively engage with Him. You can also pray and ask for His help when you need it. The key is to not allow the problems of the world to consume you. Be mindful of your place in this universe and stay engaged with God. Because the God of hockey is present in every situation, in every game, this is the perfect place to ask for help when you need it.
4. The God of Hockey Is Omniscient
If you believe in God as a person who knows everything, then you are definitely worshipping the God of hockey. Just like other forms of entertainment, hockey has always been a source of mystery and amazement. Teams and players come and go, but the game itself remains. (10)
And this is the beauty of the game. Though the strategies and methods may change, the fundamentals of hockey have always remained the same. This consistency is what makes the game endlessly fascinating. This is one of the reasons why people from all backgrounds and walks of life come back year after year, watching and playing the game. (11)
Because the game is so well-known and played around the world, many people have a general idea of what hockey is. Still, there are many subtleties and nuances that can only be understood by those who have dedicated their lives to the sport. A combination of factors, such as the speed of the game and the length of the season, make the sport difficult to learn and master. (12)
To know everything about hockey, you simply need to know one thing: that God is in the details, and the details are everywhere. Because the God of hockey is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, you can be certain that whenever you look for information regarding the game, you will find it. (13)
5. The God of Hockey Is Beyond Comparison
The fact that the God of hockey is beyond comparison is similar to saying that He is incomparable. The Catholic Church does not consider hockey to be a sport. Still, for the believers who play the game, it is absolutely incredible. (14)
The sport of hockey brings together people from all walks of life, including those who would never normally get the chance to socialize. It’s a great way to bring people from different backgrounds together. Because the game transcends cultural barriers, it is a perfect example of how God brings people together, regardless of their differences. (15)
Though they deny it, the Catholic Church is a pretty tribal group, meaning that they will usually affiliate with those who are similar to them. This is not the case with God. Because the game of hockey is so unique and wonderful, it has inspired many fans to affiliate with a team that is not of their own faith. So while many Catholic fans may support the Montreal Canadiens due to the team’s connection to their home city of Montreal, many others may support the Toronto Blue Jayesh because the team embodies the values they hold dear. (16)