Hockey season is often overshadowed by football playoffs and the SuperBowl, the excitement of making brackets for the NCAA basketball teams, and the start of baseball rivalries. Most people don’t know how exciting the sport of hockey is, so if you don’t already follow it, here are 15 reasons why you should. Fair warning: I may try to make you a New York Islanders fan!
1. The players are fantastic athletes.
Hockey players have the strength and speed of football, baseball and basketball players, but what makes it even more impressive is that it all happens on a half inch metal blade of their skate. And if you’ve ever gone ice-skating, you understand how much of a struggle it is.
2. Their individuality.
The players are like fingerprints – no two are alike. If you follow the sport long enough, even if you aren’t wearing your glasses, you can still tell which player is which (even without the help from announcers) because each player skates, shoots, and celebrates goals in their own way.
3. They’re tough.
Now hockey players are known for having some pretty gnarly teeth. But no matter how hard players are hit or slashed, beaten or bruised, they’re always out on the ice for their shift.
4. The rivalries.
Now you may support some teams over others. Take the Giants and Jets rivalry in the NFL and you can’t forget the Mets and Yankees when they go head to head. But hockey rivalries are like no other because of the exciting intensity. Some include the Flyers and Penguins, Bruins and Canadiens, Blackhawks and Red Wings, and you can’t forget New York’s two teams. When the Islanders and Rangers face off, you can be sure to expect some hard hits, amazing goals, and lots of smack talk.
5. The fights.
You may see some roughhousing, pushing and shoving in other sports, but none of those amounts to the fights in hockey. It’s a fast paced sport, so it’s no surprise that the players can get a little feisty on the ice when they don’t agree on a call. It’s an all-out brawl and will always add a little bit of spice to the game.
6. They have to be this aggressive for the majority of the year.
The regular hockey season alone runs from October to April, with teams playing 82 games to determine their standings. Then the teams go into the Stanley Cup playoffs to determine the ultimate winner. The more games, the merrier, right?
7. Games don't drag on.
Hockey games consist of three 20-minute periods for a total of an hour. Take into account stoppages of play, intermission and commercial breaks, and games are still only 2 hours long. Even if games go into overtime shootouts, hockey games are still shorter than that of football and baseball.
8. Speaking of overtime…
Overtime is only 5 minutes long and consists of a 3-on-3 competition and whichever team gets the first goal wins. But what happens if time runs out and it’s still tied? Then it goes into the nerve-wracking, all-exciting shootout. Three players from each team take shots on goals and the team that gets the most goals out of three is the winner. If the three shots from each team aren’t enough to declare a winner, though, the suspense continues until one team wins.
9. The goal celebrations.
Players each celebrate in their own way. Some will go full Tebow and take a knee – while still gliding on the ice! Others will fist pump to the point that it looks like their trying to start a fire with their own hockey stick. No matter what the individual celebration is, it always ends with a flood of teammates surrounding the player who scored. High fives and bro-hugs all around.
10. Players are good looking.
Between epic playoff beards and the hockey flow, hockey players know how to keep watchers’ attention. So maybe some of their teeth are fake, but let’s face it, there are some stunners in the mix. If you don't believe me, here's some more proof.
11. But looks aren’t everything, of course. They look good in the public eye as well.
In the media today, you may hear about football players arrested for dog fighting or domestic violence, baseball players accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, and more. But hockey players? It’s a rarity that any scandals arise in the NHL. Sounds like a thumbs up to me!
12. They’re charitable.
Many hockey players have their own charities or take part in one. Take the New York Islanders, for example: Bailey’s Buddies Program, Tavares Teammates’ Program, and Hamonic D-Partner of the Game are for underprivileged children or kids recovering from illness. There’s Matt Martin’s Defending the Blue Line Program for veterans. Martin is also a partner in the Martin & Cizikas Fight Cystic Fibrosis program. The team also visit children's hospitals to deliver Christmas gifts to patients every year. Doesn’t their soft side make you love them even more?
13. Players are kind to their fans.
Players are known for showing their appreciation to fans, whether it's by signing jerseys or even giving their sticks away. I mean look at this little guy!
I can also personally attest to this. I went to an Islander’s practice once with my brothers and neighbor to meet some players. I was afraid they’d be standoffish, but the vast majority of them were nothing but sweet and full of smiles. I went home with autographs and selfies galore.
14. Speaking of fans…
A fan is a fan through and through, no matter if the team you root for wins or loses. Sure there are some people who hop on the bandwagon, but 9 out of 10 times, if a person enjoys hockey, he or she is a die-hard fan. So you can bet that the games are loud and crazy…but it’s okay, because you’re right there cheering with them.
And last but certainly not least,
15. Hockey is worth trying out.
Now I know that probably sounds like a terrible final reason but hear me out. I could rant to you all day about how hockey is the greatest sport out there, but in the end, my opinion doesn’t matter if you don’t watch it yourself. Sure, it might be confusing at first, but so is any sport when you dive into it. But trust me, you will get sucked in by its infectious energy, speed, and excitement.
