Surprising facts about ice hockey

The mysterious origins of hockey

The history of hockey is more complicated than you might think. While Canada is generally considered the birthplace of the sport, historians agree that its roots can be traced back to European games played with sticks and balls. Dutch paintings from the 17th century show people skating on frozen canals with sticks, and the word "hockey" may come from the French word "hoquet," which means a curved shepherd's stick. The game was officially codified for the first time in Montreal, Canada, in 1875, but its true origins remain a subject of debate.

The particularities of the game and players

Ice hockey is a high-speed sport, with rules and facts that make it unique. Hockey pucks are made of vulcanized rubber. Before a game, they are frozen to prevent them from bouncing too much and to make them glide more easily on the ice. Most professional players are very superstitious. Some have very specific rituals before games, like putting on their equipment in a specific order or avoiding skating on the red line in the center of the rink.

Numbers and records

Hockey has led to some incredible performances.

The most goals

Wayne Gretzky, often called "The Great One," holds the record for the most goals and points in NHL history. His numbers are so impressive that he has scored more points than any other player, even without counting his goals.

A speed record

The speed of a puck shot by a player can reach extreme speeds. The record is over 170 km/h, which makes it one of the fastest shots in the sports world.

Unusual facts

Ice hockey players have a tradition of not shaving during the Stanley Cup playoffs, letting their beards grow as a sign of solidarity and concentration. The thickest beard is often seen as a sign of longevity in the competition.

Ice hockey is a sport that combines tradition, skill, and strength. It is rich in surprising facts and fascinating anecdotes, which makes it one of the most popular sports in the world.