The History Of Canadian Hockey

It is a hard-hitting, fast faced and ability testing sport. “For many Canadians hockey is more than a sport – it's a way of life. Hockey parents spend every spare moment shuffling their children to and from the rink for every practice and game. Hockey players spend their entire lives improving stick handling skills, trying to skate with a little more speed, and studying the game with the hope that they can one day glide across the ice in front of throngs of screaming fans” . Hockey is seen as a Canadian symbol and national sport, and many believe has greatly impacted Canadian history, identity and culture.

First, hockey is seen as a Canadian symbol and has impacted Canadian identity. One may believe hockey has impacted Canadian identity because of the way we are seen by the world and what we do to give ourselves this image. An example is in Vancouver, February 2005 protestors blocked off electric Commercial Drive to protest the expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway . The protestors took an interesting approach to this as people decided to express themselves and play a good old friendly game of hockey. The protest of a community coming together to play a game for a cause they believe in shows how much the game of hockey matters to Canadians. Hockey has also impacted Canadian identity by portraying images of hockey on five dollar bills, Tim Horton’s cups and Olympic commercials depicting Canadian love for the game. All of this illustrates hockey to be a Canadian game and played by everyone, it’s adding to the Canadian stereotype that we all play hockey and live in igloos. Lastly hockey has impacted Canadian identity because of the way we celebrate this sport. Scotiabank hosts their annual Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada celebratio...

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...through the Olympic sports. In 2010 the winter Olympic sports were held in Vancouver, Canada. Bob Nicholson President of Hockey Canada says “Coming into Vancouver 2010, everybody expected Canada to win gold in both men’s and women’s tournaments.” The world see’s Canada as a hockey country and we believe it to be true. No one was surprised when Canada won gold in the 2010 Vancouver men’s hockey Olympics. On top of having home as advantage and the entire country supporting and following the sport we are commonly known for, and adding to the 8th men’s hockey gold medal since 1920, Canada is known for having some of the best hockey players of all time. Famous Canadian legend players include . Wayne Gretzky ,Bobby Orr , Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux. With many great players throughout history, the image and reputation Canada hold’s on hockey will always stay with us.