Why I Like The NHL

Okay, so I'm still getting back in touch with reality. It's been a little slow going with life and thusly the blog. A real big change of pace, but I'm going to start a mini series on things I like about the great sport of hockey, particularly the NHL.

I originally was going to do just one entry, but after thinking about what I wanted to say I realized it needed to be split up.


Here's the list on things I like about the NHL:


10. Sportsmenship

There are some great people associated with the NHL and it shows.


9. Action / Speed of Game

It's a fast game with plenty of action.


8. History

The NHL has a rich history with fascinating players, coaches, dynasties, and stories.


7. Results of the Lock Out

While I would rather there had never been a lock out, I feel the league did a good job of working on changing the game for the better.


6. Winter Classic

What's your New Year's Day tradition?


5. Goal Tenders

The masked men of hockey hold a special place in the world of sports.


4. Traditions

Flying hats and octopussies (octopi?) are just a couple of the unique, awesome things hockey fans do.


3. Rules

I love hockey rules. I really think they make it an incredible sport focused both on fan expectations and true competition on the ice.


2. Arena Atmosphere

I've seen a few arenas and the atmosphere is always energetic in ways different from other sporting events.


1. The Stanley Cup

Need I say more?



As a bonus, I'm also going to talk about a few subjects that really interest me beyond the sport itself. Namely, the aestetics of the sport, the overall look of hockey. The logos and jerseys have always been fascinating.

I'm also going to spend a minute talking about things I'd rather change. After studying the rules (yes, I study the rule book every year) and observing the game, I do have some suggestions for the league. Some fun, some serious, some radical, and some I can't believe they haven't done.

So what can you expect?

Well, here's an example:

One big thing I like about hockey is it takes skill just to perform the basic tasks associated with the sport. The main example is SKATING! Not just anyone can skate, but anyone can run around some bases, jog 100 yards, or granny-shot a ball through a hoop.

Don't get me wrong. It does take skill to perform at any level in each of these sports. But really. Anyone can litterally make a basketball soar through the air in the general direction of a hoop. Or throw a football, though that task is left up to one person of the 22 on the field. The rest are running around to get into a position to receive the ball or trying to stop people from running around, potentially with that egg. This is rather simplistic, but it's true on an elementary level.

Baseball is arguably the hardest to perform under hockey. The three most important elements of baseball are hitting, throwing, and catching. Let's start with throwing. Again, it's basically easy to do this. Accuracy, speed and distance take training and practice to master. Catching is a little more difficult, but most beginners are fearful of injury if they fail more than a lack of skills to actually catch the ball. Hitting is hard. No question, no argument. The ball is traveling at a high speed, possibly dipping or curving. The timing is incredible to successfully hit a baseball. Sending it in an accurate direction is even harder with professionals only doing this well 3 out of 10 times (a .333 batting average). And those are the best players!

So why is baseball second to hockey since it requires all of these skills? Well, two big reasons. A lack of skill or an abundance of success from the opposing team nullifies your need for another skill. If the pitcher is inadequate, you walk without having to even swing the bat. If the hitter is knocking homeruns every other at bat, you don't need a glove for fielding. Even if the team is average, the chances that you are going to make contact with the ball are relatively small depending on your position. First basemen, catcher, and pitcher make the most contact, but that leaves six other players that do not. Realistically only one additional player is likely to make contact with the ball on a routine play. That is of course assuming the hitter actually makes contact with the ball creating that routine play, so again if the hitter is bad, he might strike out.

There are a number of similarities between sports that hockey can include in its argument for being difficult. Stats are the most obvious. All players are human with strenghts and weaknesses. Combining these into team efforts also produces team skills and setbacks. It could be argued that all sports are attempts by one team attempting to capitilize on the other team's weaknesses. Basketball players study rebound and three points while football looks at run and pass comparisons (on all levels). Baseball is perhaps the most intense on individual performances because of the delay between every single pitch. You can literally change gameplans within two seconds. "First pitch, he swung and hit it hard, but foul. Okay, don't throw him that pitch again." Hockey players also study stats. Defensive, shooting, and so forth.

But, hockey is the most complex because of its consistently changing players (thus constantly changing stats), the possibility of going on a powerplay or penalty kill, so many factors. Plus, it's all done on ice. Slip and slide around a lot. Plus, if you hit a guy and he gets up, hit him again. That's different.

Another big reason I like hockey is the penalty for fighting. Think about it. Football has tackling, but you only tackle the guy once. Throw a punch in baseball or basketball and you are gone for a few games, possibly the season.

This is one of the worst display in sports. The Pacers at Detroit.



Well, at least the NHL have never gone into the stands to beat up fans.

Right?



Okay, so that was pretty bad too. I'll try and talk more about my thoughts on fighting later on.

I love the sport of hockey, particularly the NHL. There are certainly elements in the minor leagues that I love (crazy promotions, freedom with uniforms, so forth), but I have to side with the NHL.

TTFN