Hockey is a popular winter sport played on ice with skates, sticks, and a puck. But did you know that the first hockey pucks were made of wood? Or that the first indoor hockey game was played in Canada? Here are 10 surprising facts about hockey that you may not have known before. From the origins of the Stanley Cup to the first NHL game played, there is more to this beloved sport than meets the eye. Plus, did you know that a goalie can score a goal? These fun facts are sure to amaze and delight any fan of hockey.
10 Surprising Facts About Hockey You Didn’t Know
Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports in North America, Europe, and Russia. It’s a physical game that requires skill and strategy, played on ice with skates, sticks, and a puck. Here are 10 surprising facts about hockey that you may not have known about.
1. Hockey Pucks Were Made of Wood
The first hockey games played in the late 1800s used wooden pucks. They were heavy and didn’t glide smoothly on the ice. Later, rubber replaced wood due to its lighter weight and better performance.
2. Hockey Sticks Used to Be As Long As Trees
The first hockey sticks were made from tree branches, and they were as long as the trees themselves. Players would cut them down to size, and that’s how stick sizes started to vary. Nowadays, hockey sticks are made of composites and are designed for each player’s specific needs.
3. The Stanley Cup Is Named After a Governor General of Canada
Lord Stanley of Preston was the Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893. He was a big fan of hockey and donated a cup to be awarded to the best amateur team in Canada. The cup became the Stanley Cup, and it’s still awarded to the best NHL team today.
4. The Fastest Recorded Shot Was Over 100 Miles per Hour
In 2015, Russian forward Alexander Radulov recorded the fastest shot ever at 105.9 miles per hour. He broke the previous record of 105.4 mph set by Zdeno Chara in 2012.
5. The First Indoor Hockey Game Was Played in Canada
The first indoor hockey game was played in Montreal, Canada, in 1875. It was played at the Victoria Skating Rink, which was the first indoor ice rink in North America. The game was played with nine players on each team, and the puck was a wooden ball.
6. The First Women’s Hockey Team Was Formed in 1890
The first women’s hockey team was formed in Ottawa, Canada, in 1890. It was called the Ottawa Capitals, and it consisted of 18 players. Although women’s hockey has come a long way since then, it’s still not as popular as women’s soccer or basketball.
7. Maurice Richard Was the First Player to Score 50 Goals in a Season
In 1944-45, Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season. He accomplished this feat in just 50 games. Wayne Gretzky later broke this record by scoring 50 goals in just 39 games.
8. The First Hockey Game Televised Was in 1952
The first hockey game to be televised was in 1952. It was a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings, and it was broadcast on CBC. Today, hockey is televised in many countries around the world, and fans can watch the games online or on TV.
9. The First NHL Game Was Played in 1917
The first NHL game was played on December 19, 1917. It was between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators, and it was played in Ottawa, Canada. The Canadiens won the game 7-4.
10. A Goalie Can Score a Goal
Although rare, a goalie can score a goal in hockey. In fact, there have been over 30 instances in NHL history where a goalie has scored a goal. This happens when the goalie shoots the puck into the opposing team’s net, either intentionally or by accident.
Conclusion
Hockey is a sport with a rich history and many surprising facts. From wooden pucks to televised games, there’s always something new to learn about hockey. Whether you’re a fan or just curious, these 10 facts are sure to amaze and delight you.