Six ice skaters a side, a goal and a puck go a long way in putting crowds in a state of delirium across the globe. While ice hockey might be a relatively new sport, the expansion of its popularity and the fan base it matured to-day places it among the most popular sports on the planet.
Dubbed as one of the most brutal sports out there, with heavy physical contact and a high game speed, it attracted a worldwide network of players and spectators.
Navigate to the StubHub’s Ice Hockey Tickets page to see the latest events and secure your seat for the next spectacle.
Game that Sticks with People - History of Ice Hockey
Throughout the ‘80’s, it was broadly thought that the sport developed from British field hockey and Indian Lacrosse, spreading through Canada via British Army.
The first versions of the game allowed for up to 30 players a side compete on the ice, with stones marking the goals and virtually no protective gear at all.
As the 20th century rolled in, stick manufacturing has risen and so has the production of newly-introduced shin pads and goaltender’s chest protectors. Eastern Canada saw a number of arenas built through this time as well.
It was Canada that put ice hockey on the map - the country was almost unbeatable. By winning the first Olympic Games title in 1920, and subsequently the first IIHF world championship, Canada held the world’s top spot for decades, until the Soviet team had its share of dominance as of the ‘60’s.
Ice Hockey Today
Today, ice hockey is still Canada’s favourite sport, as its home and legacy lie in the country. It is also country’s official national winter sport. The NHL, comprising of both US and Canadian teams, has devoted fans all around the globe, but the sport is equally popular in Latvia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Belarus, and Switzerland.
The wizards of the game are always ready to put on a spectacle as they go head to head, with high tensions often resulting in sharp conflicts - many of which violent. It is no wonder why such matches are building up excitement days and weeks before the bully off.
A live game can make spectators buzz when the arena fills up and the chants begin to echo through. It is no wonder fans are clamoring to access the biggest matches as the best athletes are pumped up and reaching for glory.
To fully appreciate the beauty of ice hockey live, get your ice hockey tickets at StubHub and grab a seat while it’s still there!
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