The game of hockey has a strange place in today’s American sports society.
Out of the four major sports – the others being basketball, football and baseball – hockey is clearly the least popular in our country. Although there are some exceptions – Minnesota and Wisconsin coming to mind – most people in this country really don’t care all that much about the game of hockey.
Well, I am here to tell you that living in Columbus we all have the unique opportunity to do what few others in the state of Ohio have, which is the ability to see major hockey talent up-close and in person.
Whether it is the short walk over to the Schottenstein Center or Ohio State Ice Rink to see the OSU men or women lace up, or the short drive over to the spectacular Nationwide Arena to see the professionals go at it, all Columbus-dwelling sport fans should make an effort to give the great sport of hockey a chance.
Hockey is one of those things that isn’t given justice on television. Like watching a Bruce Springsteen concert on TV, hockey is just something that is not well transferred to the small screen.
But when people actually attend a hockey game, they can’t help but be impressed by the game and the skill that is involved in playing it.
The crack of a crisp pass being corralled on a player’s stick, the boom and roar that takes place when a big hit is made on the boards or the beauty of a forward flying down the ice is something that no broadcast – much less a newspaper column – can fully do justice. It’s just something that needs to be seen in real life to be fully appreciated.
To the untrained eye, hockey on television may seem boring or confusing. There is a little puck dancing all over the screen, and games usually only see four or five scores.
While there might not be a multitude of actual scores, there’s still plenty of opportunities to get out of your seat and spill your beverage on the person sitting in front of you in a moment of sheer excitement.
It might be a stunning goal, a huge save or a fast break. If you’re into Jet Li movies, it could be a check that is so hard you can feel it in your seat or the ever-popular hockey brawl. Whatever it is, going to a hockey game will almost always get any fan’s adrenaline pumping.
And after attending a game, it becomes easier when watching the game on television to truly understand and appreciate the sport.
Many Ohioans never have given hockey much of a shot. Hockey has always been an afterthought to the football loving people of Ohio. And there isn’t much of an chance to see first-rate play anywhere else than Columbus. But many people who have come to school here and then decided to go to Blue Jackets or OSU game have come away true believers in the power of the puck.
There is no better time than the present to go to a hockey game in Columbus. Not only is hockey fun to watch, it’s even more enjoyable now because there are some good teams competing here.
While the OSU women’s team is not doing too well, both the OSU men’s and NHL Blue Jackets are off to superb starts.
The Blue Jackets are off to their best beginning in their short three-year history. And they also feature the 18-year-old forward Rick Nash, who many expect to be a perennial all-star in the not-so-distant future. No one should pass up this opportunity to see a future superstar in the NHL playing as a young rookie.
The OSU men’s hockey team is playing even better, posting a 9-2-1 record. No Buckeye should pass up this opportunity to see an OSU team whip the competition.
Hockey may not be for everyone. It might be too violent or too Canadian for some people. But no sports fan should jump to a conclusion on the quality of a sport without actually trying it out once and heading over to a live game. You might be pleasantly surprised and find yourself a new sport that you will love for the rest of your life.
Mike White is a senior in journalism. He is not from Canada but he still loves the game of hockey. He can be reached at [email protected].
