WHY PLAY HOCKEY

Hockey is the most exciting sport in the world. It is fantastic to watch and even more fun to play. It is fun being on the ice and hanging out in the changeroom with teammates many of whom will become lifelong friends. There other great benefits to hockey.

1. Hockey is Great Exercise. It builds a strong cardiovascular system and burns tons of calories. It develops strength and co-ordination.

2. Hockey Teaches Teamwork. It’s the ultimate team sport so players learn the value of working with others. Teammates must figure out how to rely on each other. Throughout life, being able to get along with others is fundamental to success in relationships, business, school and sports.

3. Hockey Builds Character. Teams sometimes win and sometimes lose. It’s a valuable life lesson to learn how to deal with success and failure with poise, grace and good sportsmanship.

4. Hockey Creates Positive Self-Esteem. Developing friendships, having fun and enjoying personal and team success promotes a healthy sense of self-worth.

5. Hockey Develops Discipline. Hockey players practice and play constantly, in some cases, year round and often in the early hours. This in addition to a commitment to dryland training requires self-discipline. This lesson is discipline carries over to homework and later in life.

6. Hockey Improves Brain Function. It is well documented that physical exercise improves brain function. Exercise makes your brain sharper, more alert and improves concentration.

7. Hockey Teaches the Value of Practice. The continual repetition of hockey drills and the resulting improvements in performance teaches players that practice makes perfect.

“Is hockey hard? I don’t know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while five other guys use clubs to try and kill us…Oh yeah, did I mention that this whole time we’re standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don’t know, you tell me. Next question.”

Brendan Shanahan

“The greatest thing about hockey is the people you meet. The people I’ve met…the friendships I have, the memories, and there’s nothing like it. It’s the greatest game in the world.”

Wayne Gretzky

EITHER YOU LIKE HOCKEY

OR

YOU ARE WRONG