Hockey is a sport that is held in high regard by many Canadian citizens, but that passion for the game also is seen in hockey fans in the United States and around the world, as hockey's fast-paced action and high drama provide excitement and entertainment. Hockey players need to possess endurance, stamina, power and speed to be successful, and a game that incorporates these skill sets has some people calling it the greatest game ever.
Fast Pace
Many supporters consider hockey the best sport because of its fast pace and end-to-end action. Goals are liable to be scored at any time and there is rarely a lull in the action. Even if play stalls for a bit in the neutral zone, there remains the chance for a quick breakout. Most hockey players have great speed and agility, making the sport more visually appealing to the average fan.
Goal-Oriented
Hockey games usually feature exciting scoring plays. While the average score is right around 3-2 in the National Hockey League, according to the league's 2010-11 statistics -- which might actually seem low-scoring when compared with basketball, football and even baseball -- there are some games that turn into wild shootouts with teams scoring six or seven goals on a given night. Each goal is very important to the game's outcome, increasing the excitement and suspense, and most fans enjoy watching skilled players put the puck into the net.
Playoff Intensity
Proponents of hockey claim that playoff games are very intense -- more so than in other sports. During the NHL playoffs, intensity reaches its peak. Teams are pumped up for elimination games, as opposed to the grind of an 82-game regular season. Coaches and management both take their roles to new heights, as do fans. This tournament atmosphere is mirrored in other hockey organizations like NCAA college hockey and the Ontario Hockey League.
International Play
Hockey is truly a global sport, evidenced every four years during the Olympic Games when a variety of nations compete for the gold, silver and bronze medals. There also are events like the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, in which veteran teams compete, and World Junior Championships for the best players under the age of 20, that unite nations behind their respective teams. This provides for a rooting interest that is greater than the game itself.
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