5 Reasons You Should Be A Hockey Fan NOW
Of the four major professional sports leagues in the US, the NHL gets the least amount of coverage in the media, with fans and on television. Which is funny because hockey is one of the most exciting and entertaining sports to watch live in person or at a bar with your friends. With the Eastern and Western Conference Finals both going to Game 6, now is a perfect time to start watching hockey and here are 5 reasons why.
5. The Fights
Gloves thrown, blood shed, knocked out teeth and a penalty box. What more could you want? Fighting is one of the most fun aspects of the game and it keeps the players in check especially after dirty, low-blow hits. And let's be honest, nothing is better than having thousands of screaming women, children and men all cheering for someone to beat the crap out of someone else.
4. The Goal Horn/Goal Song
Once that little red light goes off, something magic happens. A ritual of singing and chanting and dancing to a certain team song that fans have come to know and love. Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis is a Chicago Blackhawks staple and the New York Rangers goal song "Slapshot" will make you want to dance with strangers and throw your beer all over the people next to you. (or at least that's what I did, when I heard it last Thursday at MSG).
3. Because It's The Cup (#becauseitsthecup)
Hockey players play a grueling schedule. They play 60 minute games and 82 games a year and are never standing still. They are constantly moving and skating and hitting people and shooting and passing and changing lines and playing defense AND offense. It hurts my head to even think about the amount of physical energy it must take to play one hockey game which is why it's so great when one team gets to hoist the cup after months of hard work.
2. Henrik Lundqvist
Is there a better goal than King Henrik? Is there a more attractive living and breathing being on this planet? Not only does he have the looks but he has the skills. Henrik makes it worth while to watch hockey and the New York Rangers. Long live the king!
1. The History
The first Stanley Cup was awarded in 1893 and since then hockey and it's fans have never looked back. It's one of the best and most fun trophies to win. The defending champions keep the cup for a year and each player gets to keep it for a day. There is even a "Keeper of the Cup" (follow him on Twitter @keeperofthecup) that watches over and takes care of this prized possession. Between the rivalries, the Original Six teams, the Olympics, the insane Canadian fans and the grittiness of the players, hockey is a one of a kind sport. The passion of the players and the fans make it one of the most fun sports to watch.
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