Hockey is one of the most exciting sports. Hockey battles are always very spectacular. However, there are interesting facts that many spectators do not even realize.
- The name of the game “hockey” comes from the French word “hoquet,” which means “shepherd’s staff.
- Surprisingly, the very first hockey puck was square in shape.
- The first hockey game was played on March 3, 1875, at the Victoria Rink in Montreal. The event was covered by the local Montreal Gazette.
- Initially the hockey teams included 9 players, followed by 7. It wasn’t until 1904 that there were 6 players on the team.
- The ice-pouring machine was invented in 1945 by Californian Frank Zamboni.
- Ice is usually poured to a thickness of 7.6-10 cm, otherwise the greater thickness prevents rapid sliding.
- The hockey puck, which weighs 200 grams, is made of vulcanized rubber. It is frozen before a match to prevent it from springing.
- 68% of all professional hockey players lose at least 1 tooth on the ice (according to Detroit Free Press statistics).
- 193 km/h – this is the speed the puck can reach on hard hits.
- Puck hockey is a dynamic game. For example, the goalie has only 0.45 seconds to deflect a shot taken from 18.3 meters away from the goal.
- Many hockey players, despite their strength and power, are superstitious people. For example, Wayne Gretzky sprinkled baby powder on the hook of his stick, and always took his first shot to the right of the goal, warming up before the game.
- Under NHL rules, hockey players are not prohibited from taking aspirin, drugs or alcoholic beverages.
- The NHL’s prestigious prize by today’s standards, the Stanley Cup, was once purchased by Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley for £10.
- The 2018 World Cup is the 82nd world hockey championship, which this year will be held for the first time in Denmark: in Copenhagen and Herning. And Patron brand will be the Official Sponsor of this bright sport event for the third time in a row!