Hockey Canada is officially recognized as the national sport of Canada. Every year, the men’s and women’s hockey teams from across the country face off in a series of games to determine who will represent the country at the international level. While the sport itself might not be all that popular in other parts of the world, in Canada it is. During the 2016-17 hockey season, for example, over 7 million Canadians watched one of the 232 regular season games, with over 300,000 people attending each game.
The history of hockey in Canada dates back to the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the sport really took off. Prior to that time, people in Canada mainly played lawn hockey, with the first organized hockey game being played in Montreal in January 1901. One of the main reasons why hockey has been so successful in Canada is because of the country’s cold weather. The cold enables players to keep their body temperature up, which makes it easier for them to exercise and play hockey. Additionally, the large amounts of snow and ice that are present throughout the country provide the perfect conditions for ice hockey. It’s not just about playing hockey, either – the entire country looks forward to the winter months because it means more fun and excitement for the entire family.
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Why Is It Popular In Canada?
Aside from the country’s extreme cold weather, hockey also enjoys popularity in Canada because of the opportunities the sport provides for its players. In theory, any sport is played better when there is more ice available for skating and less snow and ice on the ground, which in turn provides a greater chance of playing the game. Naturally, there aren’t enough frozen lakes and ponds to completely satisfy the needs of the burgeoning ice hockey community, but in terms of popularity, it is the best it’s ever been. Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities offered by the sport:
Talent Identification & Development
Even though hockey might not be the most popular sport in the world, it’s always been popular in Canada. For many years, Canada was able to keep its talent hidden in plain sight, with no one really paying attention to what was going on behind the scenes. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that hockey started gaining international recognition, with many people starting to take notice of the country’s incredible hockey culture and tradition. One of the reasons why this happened is because Canada developed an entire program specifically designed to identify and develop young hockey players. Known as the Canadian Hockey Association, this program provides a means for young hockey enthusiasts to participate in organized practices and tournaments, all while being guided by experienced coaches.
Professional Hockey
Another reason why hockey is so popular in Canada is because the country has produced some incredible professional hockey players over the years. Some of the most recognizable names to come out of Canada include Joe Sakic, Wayne Gretzky, and more recently, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. When these players moved abroad after their playing careers, they were able to further promote the sport and its culture. In some cases, they even helped their new teams gain popularity, particularly in Europe and the United States, where hockey is not as popular as it is in Canada.
Team Canada
It’s not just about having talented individuals, however; you need an entire team of talented individuals to truly have a competitive edge. In the 1980s and 1990s, this is exactly what Canada had, with teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs becoming popular because of their outstanding talent and track records. The emergence of the junior hockey program in the 1970s further enhanced Canada’s competitive edge, as it allowed for teams to be built out of amateur players, who were granted a professional experience.
The Importance Of The Winter Games
Being the national sport of a country that is heavily dependent on its winter months for survival doesn’t exactly lend itself to the game’s practice and development. After all, without the snow gear and accessories, how would players get around and where would they play? There are a few tournaments and exhibition games that take place during the summer, with the Canadian Football League’s annual championship game being a notable exception. For the better part of a year, Canada prides itself on being able to skate, ski, and bike to its heart’s content, with most people not giving the game much thought until the winter arrives. If there’s one thing that Canada’s extreme weather does teach us, it’s that the winter is a critical time for the sport.
The Influence Of The Military
Hockey has been around for a long time and has been played in Canada since the 1800s, which means it has always been in existence during one of the country’s armed forces’ seasons. During the winter, the military plays an important role in keeping the roads safe and clear, which allows for residents of remote areas to get out and about. This is one of the reasons behind the country’s nickname, the Great White North, with the armed forces frequently being referred to as Canada’s ultimate winter team. Because of its size and population, the influence and impact of the Canada’s armed forces is always felt within the hockey community.
A Community Affair
The influence and impact that the military has on the country is felt not just within the hockey community but across all levels of Canadian society. After all, the armed forces play a crucial role in keeping the country safe and its citizens protected. When veterans come back from active duty, they frequently get the opportunity to stay involved with their local community through initiatives such as Hockey Canada. Even if they aren’t directly involved with the organization, former soldiers frequently get involved in coaching and mentoring kids in the sport, which in turn helps to further promote and develop the game at all levels.
One Of The Most Entertaining Sports
Aside from the influence that the military has on the country and the game itself, hockey has always had a close relationship with entertainment. After all, who wouldn’t like to spend their winter days and nights laughing, cheering, and falling down on the ice? The Edmonton Oilers were one of the first professional hockey teams to really utilize this strategy, with their 1980s team uniforms featuring the face of wrestler André the Giant. During the 1980s, the team would regularly wear giant-themed t-shirts around the rink to promote their gear.
The link between entertainment and hockey continues today. Many of the biggest movies of the year are frequently released in the winter, which provides the perfect excuse for people to get out of the house and watch a movie. Additionally, the Canadian entertainment industry provides ample opportunity for people who love to follow the sport, with many of the country’s biggest celebrities and personalities regularly appearing at NHL games, either as players or as fans. The camaraderie and excitement that is present at a hockey game, particularly a big game with lots of talent and experience on the ice, is something that Hollywood would be foolish to ignore.
Hockey is played almost worldwide, but there is one place it is found in greater quantities – in Canada. The vast majority of the country’s population is of German descent, with many places, people, and institutions emulating the Canadian culture and wearing the maple leaf with pride.