1. It's one of the only sports that actually allows fighting without major repercussions.
Pun intended. The only repercussion for fighting is a five minute major penalty, and as long as one is assessed to both players in the altercation, it doesn't even leave either team at a man disadvantage. Not to mention it's actually pretty entertaining to just watch two players duking it out over a questionable hit. Now, of course, goalies are penalized a little differently, but it's totally worth it. Who doesn't love a good goalie fight?
2. It's fast paced, it's physical, and it's anybody's game until the final buzzer sounds.
Just a couple nights ago, my favorite team was down 0-4 with a few minutes left in the second period. By five minutes into the third period, the game was tied. Granted, they ended up losing anyway, but it just goes to show how fragile leads can be and how much it becomes anybody's game. The action is back and forth and you can never really guess what's going to happen next until it actually happens. Sure, there's the occasional blow out, but there's plenty of interesting games to watch in between those.
3. The traditions are ridiculous in the best way possible.
Whether they're the more league based traditions, like playoff beards and throwing hats on the ice for hattricks (when a player scores three goals in one game) or more team based, like the octopus tossed on the ice for every Red Wings goal to the goal songs for each team to the anthem based traditions you'll find in cities like Chicago and Vancouver. Throw in the superstitions of not touching championship trophies until you've won that final trophy or tapping the goalie's pads as you skate out onto the ice, and you've got plenty to keep you entertained.
4. The fanbases are some of the most dedicated you'll find.
I know, I know, every fanbase is as die hard as can be. It's what so many sports fans preach, but you know what? I don't buy it. There are definitely fanbases that are more dedicated than others, and a lot of those happen to belong to NHL teams. I'm talking arenas that have been sold out for years straight, no matter how awful the team's record has been. Win or lose, these fans stick with their team regardless. Truthfully, though, I can't even really describe the sheer dedication of some of these fans. It's just something you have to experience for yourself.
5. Three words: Sudden Death Overtime
Simultaneously one of the best and worst things about hockey, sudden death overtime is exactly what it sounds like. It's slightly less stressful during the regular season when it's only five minutes and only three-on-three followed by a shootout (or as I like to call it: a glorified skills competition), but during the playoffs? It becomes a whole new animal. It becomes full 20 minute periods of five-on-five action, with one goal bringing it all to an end. Couple that with a championship being at stake, and I'm sure you can see what makes this so enticing.
6. There's 30 different teams to choose from, spread all across two countries.
At least in the NHL. When you include international play and minor league play, that number multiplies so high it's almost ridiculous. But, in the NHL, there's 14 teams in the West and 16 in the East, and with markets in most major cities, it becomes a relatively accessible sport. Not to mention, a lot of teams do special ticket deals for college students that can drop prices as low as $10-$25. Skip out on a weekly coffee and a weekly Chipotle run and you're all set.
7. It's one of the most played sports internationally.
Like I said in the previous point, there's 30 teams in the NHL, but endless teams internationally. Most European countries have their own individual leagues that mirror the NHL while additionally offering plenty of minor league opportunities. Sure, they're referred to as something a little different, but the basic concept is still the same. Toss in the fact that there's also leagues in the Southern Hemisphere, mostly in places like Australia and New Zealand, it really has a huge international following. It's also one of the most popular Olympic sports. How can you argue with that?
8. There's so many different leagues to watch and they all have their entertainment value.
Sure, the National Hockey League (NHL) is a culmination of the best of the best -- with the occasional addition of players that you're really not even certain how they got there -- but that doesn't mean it's the only league hockey has to offer. From the minor leagues affiliated with the NHL to the junior leagues that act as developmental leagues for these minor leagues to the lesser know leagues (some of which end up more like beer leagues) that are just there for what feels more like entertainment purposes, there's definitely something for everyone.
9. There's 82 games per season.
Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy football as much as the next person. At least, I do know. But even still, there's something that really sucks about only having 16 games a season if your team doesn't make the playoffs and something even worse about only being able to watch them once a week. With 82 games per season, you're all but guaranteed to see your team play at least twice a week, but more likely, it'll be even more than that. Multiply that by 30 teams and there's always a game to be watched. You really can't beat that.
10. It's awesome.
Okay, so this might not be as valid of a reason as the other nine, but there really isn't a better way to describe it. From the energy that you feel in arenas, to the way that it brings people together, to how amazing it is to be able to watch players doing what they love night in and night out so frequently. I could keep going on and on and on, but instead, I'll just leave you with this. If you've never watched a hockey game before, check one out. You won't regret it.
