Many people consider hockey to be the most exciting and entertaining sport to watch. The speed and the action present on the ice in a hockey game are usually a sight to behold. The skill and grit that are required to play the game are also highly admired. While there is certainly some truth to this, there is also a darker side to the sport that isn’t so easily visible to the untrained eye.
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The Culture Of Brutality
Hockey is a violent sport, which was made popular by the very films that are supposed to be family-friendly entertainment. The NHL, which is largely comprised of men, especially in the older generations, has a culture of violence that they have tried to keep hidden from the public. They have been successful at hiding it for the most part, but it is definitely still prevalent in some areas.
Hockey has been known to indulge in some of the most heinous crimes known to man, and it is often associated with other ultra-violent sports, like professional wrestling and football. These are typically the sports that young people play given the nature of the jobs that they can get and the level of play that they can achieve, but old men have also been known to play. This is partly due to a desire to remain active and partly due to boredom. It often results in men playing against men of similar size and strength, which can lead to serious injury.
The Mental Health Toll
Mental health professionals who work with hockey players and coaches have noted a distinct increase in the number of players and staff who experience mental health problems during the course of a season. The stresses of the game, competitive nature, and physical demands can all contribute to causing the issues that some people experience. While being a hockey player is considered a dream job for many, it can also be one of the worst professions in terms of mental health. This definitely seems to be something to consider if you are going to be in the game for the long haul.
Somewhat Controversial Role In Society
Hockey has been around for centuries, but it has only recently become a widespread sport. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that hockey started to gain popularity and acceptance in American culture, so it has been a fairly recent addition to society as a whole. This has led to some interesting dynamics as far as roles and responsibilities go. For example, when did you last see a male hockey player wearing a dress?
The Dark Side Of Attracting Women
One of the biggest draws for men considering a career in hockey is that the sport is considered to be very attractive to women. The fast pace and excitement that are involved in a hockey game usually has the opposite effect on most women. They may become slightly hyped up, but the large amounts of testosterone floating around the rink will have the opposite effect on them. It has been recorded that some women have even fainted during games because of excessive excitement. This certainly isn’t something that you want to have happen if you are trying to play a sedate role in life. A good rule of thumb would be to never show a woman how passionate or rough you can be. It just doesn’t work out well for the majority of the population.
Physical Demands
Another important consideration when deciding to play hockey is the physical demands of the sport. If you are looking for a physically demanding sport with a good degree of mental stimulation, then look no further. While playing hockey is certainly a lot of fun, it can also be extremely taxing on the body. Most hockey players have to take regular breaks during the game to let their bodies cool down. This is because the sport is considered to be quite strenuous. The chances of you suffering from heat strokes are fairly high, especially if you are playing outdoors in the summertime. This is why fans are often found sitting on ice packs during games to keep their organs from overheating.
Family Matters
There is also the issue of family to consider. It is a common occurrence for hockey players and coaches to be away from home for long periods of time. This can be extremely frustrating for family members who are worried about their loved ones. Some of these coaches and players may even be traveling during the off-season as well, which can make things even more complicated. It is always a good idea to let families know that you are involved in a potentially dangerous sport and to let them know the risks that you are taking. It may also be a good idea to have a family meeting about safety concerns and risk-management strategies. This way, you can all be on the same page and nobody gets left out of the conversation. It is also crucial that you learn how to manage your emotions and stay focused on the game at hand, regardless of what may be going on around you. This can help you avoid any unnecessary distractions and keep your head in the game. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and the above information should help convince you to choose hockey as your next career move.