Canada is a country that embraces many different sports, but it’s the winter sport of hockey that makes it unique. It’s not just any sport though – it’s one of the most unique sports in existence. If you’re new to the country, learning about its sports and teams can be tricky, but with this guide, you’ll understand what makes hockey so special and why it is a symbol of Canada.
Table of Contents
Hockey Has A Rich History In Canada
There are many famous hockey players and teams from Canada, and not just in the country’s capital. The game has been played officially since the 1800s, but it didn’t become an Olympic sport until 1998. Since then, the number of hockey players and fans has increased exponentially, with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens attracting global attention.
The game has also inspired many movies and TV shows, with the 2003 film, Mighty Ducks, turning the tables on the usually dominant Americans and winning the game for the underdog Canadians. The TV show, Young Offenders, also follows the trials and tribulations of a group of young, hockey-playing criminals who run across Canada delivering justice in the form of swift punches and shots from the puck.
NHL Players Are Some Of The Most Recognizable In Sports
The National Hockey League is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and it’s incredibly popular in Canada. The league was founded in 1917 and includes teams across North America. Many of the players that play in the NHL are household names, with fans often recognizing them even before they put on their pads.
The highest profile Canadian in the NHL at the moment is Auston Matthews. The 22-year-old centre is the face of a new generation of hockey players and the future of the league. A four-time Canadian nominee for the Best Rookie Award, Matthews has scored 77 goals and added 82 assists for 169 points so far this year – both of which are NHL career highs. He’s also the youngest player ever to score 50 goals in a season. There are also several other high-profile Canadian NHL players, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Vincent Lecavalier.
Hockey Is More Than Just Hockey
While hockey is a popular sport in Canada and around the world, it’s not just about the game itself. The country is home to a number of iconic hockey brands and teams, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens being the most recognizable names. The rivalry between the two cities – specifically their hockey teams – is one of hockey’s most historic rivalries, with the teams having first met in 1917.
One can also see the rivalry in other sports as well. The NBA’s Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics and the NFL’s Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders meet every year in the Battle of the Bank Street Flyover, while the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees face off in a Fall Classic. All of these games and more are played to packed houses, with people coming together to support their teams.
This is in part thanks to the global following that hockey enjoys. The sport is popular in much of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and in many parts of the world, it’s not uncommon to see kids playing hockey in the street. With so many people playing the game, there are bound to be organized leagues and teams of all ages. It’s also helped by the fact that hockey is a fairly easy game to learn – anyone can play it, and with adult supervision, children can even play it themselves.
Hockey Is A Life-learning Experience For All Ages
One of the biggest advantages of hockey is that it’s such a life-learning experience. The game teaches you so much about sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance, just to name a few elements. The opportunities for players in hockey are endless, with new leagues, new teams, and new experiences being created regularly.
It’s no wonder that the league has such a strong following, with people of all ages playing the game and enjoying it all the while. There are organized youth hockey leagues across Canada for kids as young as 6 years old, and most communities have at least one ice surface available for public use. It’s a great way for everyone to get active in the winter months, no matter their age.
Even better, since it’s such an educational experience, you’ll be helping children develop a love for learning and knowledge, while having fun with friends. It’s a win-win for everyone.