Hockey known for hard hits, 'Miracle'
Erik Dorn
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Sports
Hockey doesn't get much attention in St. George, but if you aren't watching the National Hockey League, you are missing out on the greatest sport in the world.
I grew up in the State of Hockey, Minnesota, where hockey is not only the sport of choice, but also a way of life. It's a place where hockey moms replace soccer moms, and Zambonis replace John Deeres.
The Zamboni is probably the most recognizable and iconic piece of equipment in sports history. Charlie Brown once observed that "there are three things in life that people like to stare at: a flowing stream, a crackling fire and a Zamboni clearing ice." Even though the Zamboni can't be a valid reason why hockey is the best, it certainly has added to the allure of the sport.
The class of player is just plain better in the NHL. There are no T.O.s, Chad Ocho Cincos or Mannys. Players respect the game so much more than in any other sport. It seems like in football, baseball and basketball it is always about the players, but in hockey it is about the team and the sport. The only real show of "look at me" last season was when Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and acted like his stick was on fire, which drew much criticism from fellow players and coaches.
Rarely is there a story that comes out of the NHL that makes hockey look bad. The only thing that comes to mind is the "sloppy seconds" comment made by Sean Avery last season: "I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."
Compared to the NBA, the NFL and MLB, the NHL's players get in less trouble and keep their mouths shut. It is nice to watch "Sports Center" and not have to hear about some player who is causing drama in his clubhouse.
There also hasn't been a steroid issue like there has been in baseball. In fact, there has only been one failed drug test since 2006 by former New York Islander Sean Hill.
I grew up in the State of Hockey, Minnesota, where hockey is not only the sport of choice, but also a way of life. It's a place where hockey moms replace soccer moms, and Zambonis replace John Deeres.
The Zamboni is probably the most recognizable and iconic piece of equipment in sports history. Charlie Brown once observed that "there are three things in life that people like to stare at: a flowing stream, a crackling fire and a Zamboni clearing ice." Even though the Zamboni can't be a valid reason why hockey is the best, it certainly has added to the allure of the sport.
The class of player is just plain better in the NHL. There are no T.O.s, Chad Ocho Cincos or Mannys. Players respect the game so much more than in any other sport. It seems like in football, baseball and basketball it is always about the players, but in hockey it is about the team and the sport. The only real show of "look at me" last season was when Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and acted like his stick was on fire, which drew much criticism from fellow players and coaches.
Rarely is there a story that comes out of the NHL that makes hockey look bad. The only thing that comes to mind is the "sloppy seconds" comment made by Sean Avery last season: "I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."
Compared to the NBA, the NFL and MLB, the NHL's players get in less trouble and keep their mouths shut. It is nice to watch "Sports Center" and not have to hear about some player who is causing drama in his clubhouse.
There also hasn't been a steroid issue like there has been in baseball. In fact, there has only been one failed drug test since 2006 by former New York Islander Sean Hill.
Be the first to comment on this story