So, it’s October, that time of year again. You know what that means… HOCKEY SEASON!!! Hockey is obviously the best sport, and I wrote a list to explain why I think so. I understand if your favorite sport is not hockey, but maybe this list will at least show you how awesomely fantastic it is. 😊

1. The Brotherhood

Hockey is full of guys doing stupid stuff with and for each other. They have to be together all the time, and because of it, they learn to care for each other. Some hockey players live together, and some are godparents to each other’s children. If a teammate gets traded to another team, it’s a sad day, but when the teams play each other, it’s amazing to watch the reunion. Bro hugs, handshakes, side conversations, and lots of trash talk.

The GIF below is of Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, forwards of the Buffalo Sabres, and roommates. Their bromance is amazing.

2. The Competition

There is nothing better than watching a hockey game and cheering for your team. You get caught up in the heat of competition, screaming at your team, screaming at the other team, and screaming at the opposing team’s fans. You want your team to win, and you will do everything in your power to help them do just that – win. The players trash talk each other, slam them into the boards, start fights, yell at refs, and yell at each other. The competition brings out the worst in hockey players and fans, but it’s the best.

3. The Teamwork

Hockey is a team sport. When the teams are on the ice, they work like one unit (or they’re supposed to), they know when to pass, when to shoot, when to block, and where to move. It’s amazing to watch how the players all work together.

4. The Fights

This is the main reason hockey is better than other sports. Fighting isn’t allowed in most other sports. But it’s allowed in hockey! The fighting isn’t nearly as fun to watch as it was back in the olden days (the Rob Ray days), but it’s still fun nonetheless. There’s nothing better than a good old line brawl. Am I right?

5. The Patriotism

You know one thing hockey players do that basketball players and football players don’t? THEY STAND FOR THE FLAG! Most hockey players aren’t even from the USA, and they all stand for the flag. On the Buffalo Sabres current roster (as of 10/6/17), only 5 out of the 25 players are from the USA (and 1 of them are from NY). Also, Buffalo Sabres forward, Matt Moulson, purchases tickets for veterans for every Sabres home game!

6. Hockey Players Are Adorable

They may look mean on the ice, but they are basically warm fuzzy teddy bears full of love and friendship.