Hockey - Hockey Is A Great Game

When most people think of hockey, they often associate the game with Canada. But, surprisingly, hockey isn't the national sport of Canada, but the roots of hockey go back to Ireland. Before Canadians began their obsessive need for hockey, the game was played in Ireland under the unlikely name of Hurley. The game was brought over to Canada by Irish immigrants, and around the 1800s hockey began to gain popularity throughout Canada. The game quickly caught on, especially on the East coast, and became popular all over the world.

In 1917 the National Hockey League (NHL) was formed and it consisted of five original teams. By the end of the century there would be 30 teams from all over Canada and the USA. People are passionate about their hockey and one look at some of the fans at the arenas show that they mean business.

During Stanley Cup, in recent years, the US teams have dominated the hockey playoffs. However, hockey still has a bigger following in Canada. Hockey Night in Canada is quite an event in many households and sports bars. Several teams like the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques have fallen by the wayside in Canada in the past several years. High player salaries are an unfortunate cause.

Hockey stars are among the highest paid in any professional sport. This is partly the reason that many of the top players head to teams in the US. Many Canadian teams have a hard time retaining their homegrown players thanks to high salary demands. This is also the key issue in the 2004 dispute which has resulted in no games thus far for the season.

Hockey is a very violent game and unfortunately, violence is very common in the little leagues. Spectators love to watch the opposing team get crushed against the boards. Many people wonder what this is teaching young fans. Aggressive play is not being tolerated in many leagues whereas others have banned this type contact all together. The NHL however, has not started anything of this kind.

These days' parents have become a bit too passionate at little league hockey games. There is an increasing number of fights between parents and verbal and physical abuse against referees and coaches. This has prompted many people to stay away from the sport or putting their children in after school hockey programs. The thought of knowing that the parents care more about who wins than the kids do is frightening. Regardless of this hockey will always be a popular game in North America.

Regardless of the changes, hockey will continue to be a popular game in North America. Europe is beginning to enjoy the same success in the hockey world as well. Recent world championships and Olympic games have highlighted little known countries such as Belarus. Anywhere you can find iced over ponds or lakes, you'll find the perfect place for a little ice hockey. Although a cold climate isn't always the prerequisite, look at the Los Angeles Kings!

Hockey is one of the best-loved games in North America and many fans have their fingers crossed that there will be at least a few games this 2004/2005 NHL season. But there are farm teams and minor leagues that are still playing so at least fans can get their hockey fix. If you are wondering what the fuss is all about, be sure to check out a game at your local area and feel the excitement in the air. No wonder hockey is so popular!