– by Genevieve Dolan
College sports fans often plan their weekends around their favorite sports game showing on TV.
While most of my friends put time into their favorite football, basketball, or even baseball team, my dedication focuses on something much smoother – college hockey.
And as the Stanley Cup finals get into high gear, now is a perfect time to start following hockey. Here’s why:
Inexpensive tickets
Most college students are on strict budgets, which puts a limit on certain activities they would like to attend.
Elizabeth Dolan, an alumni and former University of Wisconsin Madison tennis player, notes that hockey tickets are cheaper on average than other main stream sports.
“College students have less money than people working, so their money will go further at hockey games, especially if they want premium seats,” she says.
Continuous play
“Hockey is the only sport that is non-stop. Yes, there are whistles here and there, but the game picks right up again,” writes Matt Hunter for The Bleacher Report
The continuous action makes the sport that much more exciting.
Plus fouls can dominate the end of a basketball game, making the last two minutes go on for 10.
With hockey, there is just a lot more action in general, especially since the rules allow fighting.
Athleticism
While football, basketball, and baseball all require intense physical strength and ability, hockey players are in constant motion physically and mentally.
While other sports require running, jumping, lunging, and control on the field, these hockey players must also have top-notch skills to sprint around on skates for sixty minutes.
Not only is the sport aggressive physically, it also takes much mental ability and attention, especially for the goaltenders since they are faced with such intense and talented offensive athletes.
“As a Detroit fan, I love watching the endless action while the precision of passing quite impressive. The Red Wings are also relentlessly aggressive, which is not only entertaining but it shows their true dedication to the team,” says Jeff Kuchman.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at a hockey game caters more to a college student. Fans are rowdy and are more accepting of rowdy college students too.
And because hockey franchises are often struggling to improve the fan experience and make more money, they have focused on renovating stadiums to be more fan-friendly.
This includes adding better restaurants, bars and technology at the stadiums, which caters to a younger, tech-savvy crowd… perfect for college students.
Camaraderie
This aspect of hockey definitely why I find it the best sport.
In all parts of the game, there is a lot of respect for each player on the ice.
When one player makes a good pass or play, there’s always a teammate to hand out a high five or slap on the back to keep the spirits high.
Hockey players don’t have special, obnoxious, individual dances when they score a goal like most football players do after a touchdown. Teammates on the ice come together in a circle, hug and high five the victory teammate before he or she high fives or fists pounds the rest of his team lined up on the bench.
There’s even a sense of friendship and respect among opposing team members. When players decided to duke it out and fight they know it’s mostly for entertainment and at the end you might find them hugging or shaking hands before entering the penalty box.
“Not only is there a huge bond among all hockey players, the fans themselves show remarkable support, love and respect for fellow fans,” says Taylor Weil.
CougarBuzz 