Ice hockey, the game between two teams, each usually having six players, who wear skates and compete on an ice rink. The object is to propel a vulcanized rubber disk, the puck, past a goal line and into a net guarded by a goaltender, or goalie. With its speed and its frequent physical contact, ice hockey has become one of the most popular of international sports. The game is an Olympic sport, and worldwide there are more than a million registered players performing regularly in leagues. It is perhaps Canada’s most popular game. Until the mid-1980s it was generally accepted that ice hockey derived from English field hockey and Indian lacrosse and was spread throughout Canada by British soldiers in the mid-1800s. Research then turned up mention of a hockeylike game, played in the early 1800s in Nova Scotia by the Mi’kmaq (Micmac) Indians, which appeared to have been heavily influenced by the Irish game of hurling; it included the use of a “hurley” (stick) and a square wooden block instead of a ball. The players adopted elements of field hockey, such as the “bully” (later the face-off) and “shinning” (hitting one’s opponent on the shins with the stick or playing with the stick on one “shin” or side); this evolved into an informal ice game later known as shinny or shinty. The name hockey—as the organized game came to be known—has been attributed to the French word hoquet (shepherd’s stick).
The first national hockey organization, the Amateur Hockey Association (AHA) of Canada (which limited players to seven a side), was formed in Montreal in 1885, and the first league was formed in Kingston during the same year, In a move to eject one of the league members, the NHA decided to disband and form a new league. The result was the creation in 1917 of the National Hockey League (NHL), which became the world’s foremost professional hockey league. In 1924 the first U.S. team, the Boston Bruins, joined the NHL. In 1925 the New York Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates were admitted, followed in 1926 by the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Detroit Cougars (later called the Red Wings). In 1979 the NHL, which had grown to 17 teams, merged with the WHA to become a 21-team league; by 2017, 31 teams played in the NHL. The regular season consists of 82 games and determines the 16 teams that will qualify for the play-offs. The play-off winner is awarded the Stanley Cup.
There are a few important things to think about when watching a game at a sports bar in order to make sure you have the most experience possible. First, make sure there are big, HD displays thoughtfully positioned around the sports bar so that you can see them best from each seat. For a more personalized experience, several pubs even have private viewing spaces. Your experience watching a game may be substantially improved by the atmosphere of a sports bar, so seek for a place where people who are as passionate about sports as you are. The greatest bars in Canada are usually welcoming to everybody and feature a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Excellent cuisine and a large assortment of drinks are essential. Seek out a pub with a varied menu that features both traditional bar bites like wings and nachos and specialty Canadian fare like poutine. Having a decent assortment of regional craft beers might also improve your experience. Your experience may be made or broken by the quality of the service you receive; amiable, attentive personnel who are aware of the schedule of games and can suggest the best foods and drinks will enhance your enjoyment.
Pick a sports bar that is conveniently located if you want to drive, walk, or make use of public transportation. Convenience is important. Being close to important sports arenas or downtown regions is advantageous in Canadian cities. Regular events, quiz nights, and special game-day specials are held at some of the top sports bars. These extracurricular pursuits can heighten the enjoyment and involvement. Seek out establishments that have a reputation for providing events and being involved in the community.
With collectibles from CFL teams, lacrosse teams, and hockey teams, many sports pubs in Canada honor the regional sports culture. An genuine and pleasurable experience may be had at bars that are dedicated to commemorating Canadian sports heritage and supporting local teams. Always keep in mind that the ideal sports bar for you is the one that accommodates your individual tastes and provides a comfortable setting in which to watch the game. I hope you have fun bar hopping and locate the ideal location to support your preferred team!
