In an encyclopedia called the Speculum Maius,
there's an illustration of men playing chole lacrosse in the 13th century. The
game revealed players were hitting a ball towards a designated point with a
curved stick, much like those found in ice hockey.
In terms of when the sport was introduced to
ice, Scotland in the 16th century was supposedly the first place to host a
hockey game on ice.
Fast forward a few centuries, and the Canadian
encyclopedia reveals, the International Ice Hockey Federation claimed the first
official ice hockey tournament took place in 1875 in Montreal. Yet, some
sources also indicate the first official ice hockey events originated in the
UK.
Despite the differences over where the game
began, Canada is one country over the years that has heavily invested in the
game and influenced the sport's rules and regulations, whilst adopting a large
following along the way.
However, as of late, the popularity of the
game has extended beyond North America into Europe. This article divulges how
and why Europe is becoming a prominent part of the sport.
Why Is Ice Hockey Becoming So Popular in
Europe?
Ice hockey features two teams with six players
on each side who battle it out on the ice rink to strike the puck past the
goalie into the net.
Engaging parts of the game which have caused
its fanbase to increase include the following:
Gripping
Action - All team members wear
extensive protective gear, which prepares them to take on various collisions on
the rink. Meaning viewers get to witness gripping moments of action.
This is one of many reasons why viewers are
captivated by the game.
As such, fans are making time to indulge in ice hockey betting
and sportsbooks now cover European Ice Hockey leagues.
Sheltered
Sport - Ice hockey is an
indoor sport, which means unlike sports such as football, the weather
conditions do not phase the games.
Fewer
politics - Other sports, such
as football, are, according to some, becoming too political. This is why sports
fanatics are looking for other engaging sports like ice hockey to enjoy.
As per the above reasons and more, ice hockey
is an attention-grabbing sport that engages more players and viewers in Europe
and across the world to watch and play every year.
Ice Hockey in Europe
Canada is ice hockey's most prominent provider
and supporter. But they are by no means the only ice hockey enthusiasts.
More than a million ice hockey players worldwide registered to play in ice hockey leagues,
highlighting the significance of the sport internationally among sports
professionals.
As of late, ice hockey is becoming an
increasingly popular sport in Europe. For instance, during NHL 19/20, 976
players participated in one or more games in the league. And statistics reveal
almost a third of those players were born and trained in Europe.
Plus, compared to previous records of
attendance at the NHL since the 2003/2004 season, there has been a 31.3% rise
in players from the EU. Additionally, last season's figures reveal Europe is
the second largest provider of NFL players following Canada.
Other European countries providing talented
players to the league include Sweden. In 19/20, Sweden sent 113 players to
North America. This demonstrated another milestone of Europe's progression in
the field of ice hockey.
Sweden has, over the years, provided numerous
notable ice-hockey players. For example, Ulf Sterner was
the first-ever player from Europe to enter the NHL in 1965. And Lars-Eerik
Sjoberg became the first European captain of the NHL team Winnipeg in the 79/80
season.
Other EU countries with professional players includes
Finland. Reportedly 50 Finnish players took part in the 19/20 league. This was
the most players from Finland that had participated in the event to date.
Other European countries training and shipping
players to the NHL include Russia, which sent 50 players’ last season. The
Czech Republic, which contributed 34, and Slovakia, which assigned 12.
The above defines an increasing interest in
Europe for sports fanatics to chase their NHL dream. Due to a rise in pro
players, teams, and training opportunities in Europe, the continent has
recently attracted North American players to partake this season.
The ramifications last year caused the
postponement of North America's ice hockey leagues. As such, to maintain their
fitness, skill, and experience, more players are contemplating moving to Europe
to play in part or all of the 2020/21 season.
For instance, Detroit red wings previous
first-rounders Moritz Seider and Filip Zandini have returned to their home
league.
However, moving from North America to Europe
to practice and compete means the players are likely to incur challenges. From
language to cultural barriers, plus, the ice rinks in North America are smaller
than those in the EU, with less time to make decisions.
Plus, the games tend to be more physical
across the pond. As such, players will need to quickly learn the ropes before
competing.
Despite this, numerous NHL franchises such as Columbus and San
Jose are showing faith in their players' ability to adapt and are eager to fly
their prospects to the EU to play.
Ice Hockey Popularity Continues To Rise
In a nutshell, ice hockey clubs from Europe
are on the rise. And with the EU being the prime spot this season for ice
hockey action, it's bound to bring a lot of media attention to the events,
Eu-based clubs, and the younger prospects. Which in turn will fuel the exposure
and popularity of the sport across the continent.