Published by Press release
The sport of hockey has its roots firmly placed in Canada and its history, where it has continued to grow in popularity, making it what it is today. There are many ways to get involved, as a fan, volunteer, player, or just a casual watcher on TV at home. In Canada, regardless of how, it is fair to say that a large percentage of people are involved in some way.
But what makes hockey the most popular sport in Canada?
One significant factor is that we are seeing new ways to get involved in hockey, such as with sports betting, where people can back their favorites for success. This year, in the NHL, it appears that the Toronto Maple Leafs have the best chance of success from the Canadian teams involved, and as of February 22, they are +900 to win the Stanley Cup. Whether this is done by people betting on their own team for success, or simply choosing the team they think can win, this adds a new element to sports watching for many.
Away from sports betting though, there are two other big standout reasons why this sport thrives in Canada, one that is very traditional, and one that uses the media to grow the game.
Hockey Traditions of Canada
Hockey is a very traditional sport, where anyone can get involved, and in Canada, it’s quite common for someone to even have their own rink in the backyard. Those playing at home feel like they are replicating what the greats of the game are doing and have done in the past, and it gives everyone something to dream about.
Success helps that, of course, and the recent gold medal win for the Canadian women’s hockey team at the Beijing Olympics will give more people their next series of idols to look up to and try to emulate, as they develop their own careers in the game.
GOLD FOR CANADA 🏒🥇
🇨🇦 avenges a loss to our rival 🇺🇸 with a 3-2 win in the final at #Beijing2022.
This is the fifth time #TeamCanada has won Olympic gold in women’s hockey 🔥🔥
Get all the details! ➡️ https://t.co/5cJy0sN78x pic.twitter.com/q2sSsgGm2X
— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) February 17, 2022
While the top end of this sport may seem full of expensive equipment, the bottom end is simple. A backyard ice rink, created by yourself, or for those slightly more daring, a local frozen piece of water, combined with a stick and a puck, is more than enough for people to live the hockey dream and connect with the sport on a high level.
Media and TV Coverage
The way in which the sport of hockey is now covered in Canada is incredible. Every game featuring Canadian teams is live, plus many more for fans to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere from, and this all feeds into giving people what they want. The operators, which include news mainstream outlets and TV broadcasters, have streamlined their business to give fans the coverage they want.
Instant reaction and punditry, the best live coverage in sports, TV games whenever and however you want them, analysis, opinion, and much more, are all now at the fingertips of Canadian hockey fans, providing them with the depth they have never seen before and it’s continuing to grow and develop too.
All of this combined, especially the way in which coverage is now brought to people, is why hockey is, and will continue to be, the most popular sport in Canada.
Photo by Lynda Sanchez from Pexels